### **Arc 1, Chapter 9: The Aftermath of Fire**
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The acrid smell of smoke lingers in the air long after the Veilborn retreat. My chest rises and falls with labored breaths as I watch the remaining shadows dissipate into the horizon beyond the sealed gates. The city is quiet now, but it's not a peaceful silence—it's the tense stillness that comes after narrowly escaping disaster.
I stare at my hands, still warm from the fire I unleashed moments ago. The memory of the flames surging from my fingers, the way they obeyed me, is burned into my mind. I should feel relieved—I controlled it. But instead, there's an unsettling weight settling in my gut. I used the fire… but what happens next time? Can I control it again, or was it just luck?
Before I can dwell on that thought, I hear footsteps approaching. I glance up to see Kael Draven striding toward me, his expression unreadable. Nara stands beside me, still catching her breath, her face covered in soot and sweat from the battle. She gives me a small nod of reassurance, but I can't shake the feeling of dread creeping up my spine as Kael closes the distance.
"Arion," Kael says, his voice low and hard as stone. He looks me over, his eyes narrowing on my hands. "You used fire magic again."
It's not a question. He's stating a fact, and I can tell from his tone that he's not pleased.
"I had to," I say, my voice hoarse. "The Veilborn were overwhelming us. It was the only way to stop them."
Kael's jaw tightens. "You put everyone at risk."
I feel a spark of frustration flare inside me. "I didn't lose control. I stopped them, didn't I?"
Kael steps closer, his gaze piercing through me. "You think this is about winning the fight? Every time you use that fire, you're gambling with lives—including your own. That power inside you… it's dangerous. Unstable. If you can't learn to control it fully, it will destroy you and everything around you."
I want to argue, to tell him that I'm not some loose cannon, but deep down, I know he's right. The fire—it's volatile. Unpredictable. I was lucky this time. What if next time it consumes me?
Before I can respond, Nara steps in. "Kael, he saved us. If it weren't for Arion's magic, we wouldn't have been able to close the gates in time. You know that."
Kael's eyes flick to Nara, and for a moment, there's a flicker of something—maybe doubt, or maybe it's just annoyance. But then his face hardens again, and he turns back to me.
"Saving us this time doesn't mean you're safe from yourself," Kael says. "You need to understand that. The more you rely on that power, the more it will take from you."
I clench my fists, the words hanging heavy between us. Part of me wants to push back, to prove that I can handle this. But there's another part of me—one that's terrified that he's right.
Kael takes a step back, his expression cold. "Report to the Council. They need to know what happened here." He turns on his heel and walks away, leaving me standing there with Nara, the weight of his warning pressing down on me.
I glance at Nara, who's watching Kael's retreating figure with a frown. She sighs and shakes her head, her dark hair falling over her shoulder. "He's tough, but he's not wrong, you know."
I let out a breath, running a hand through my hair. "I know. I just… I don't know what else to do."
Nara places a hand on my shoulder, her touch grounding me. "You'll figure it out. You've already come this far."
I give her a small nod, though doubt still lingers in my mind. I'm not sure how much farther I can go before the fire inside me burns everything to ashes.
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As we make our way through the city toward the Council chambers, the weight of what happened still hangs over me. Lysara is a city built on vigilance, a place where every day is spent preparing for the next Veilborn attack. But today, the barrier failed. The Veilborn got through.
That shouldn't have happened.
When we arrive at the grand stone building that houses the Council, I'm greeted by stern-faced Guardians standing guard at the entrance. Inside, the tension is palpable. The chamber is filled with murmurs of concern, and as Nara and I step through the door, all eyes turn toward us.
At the center of the room sits the Council—a group of seasoned Guardians and scholars, each wearing an expression of grave seriousness. They've been the decision-makers of Lysara since before the Veil Shattering. And now, they're staring at me like I'm the next threat to their city.
I feel my stomach twist.
"Arion Valen," a deep voice calls out, and I turn to see Councilman Arvid standing at the head of the table. His graying hair and stern eyes give him an air of authority that makes my nerves tighten even further. "We've received reports of an attack at the gates. And you, once again, used your fire magic."
I nod, stepping forward. "Yes, Councilman. The Veilborn breached the barrier, and we were outnumbered. I had no choice but to use my magic to defend the city."
There's a murmur among the Council members. Some of them exchange glances, while others whisper to one another. Arvid's eyes narrow.
"The barrier has never been breached before," he says, his voice laced with suspicion. "How did this happen?"
I hesitate, unsure of how to explain it. The Veilborn were stronger this time, more organized. But I don't have answers—not the kind they want.
"I don't know," I admit. "But they were different. Stronger. It was like they were targeting the gates specifically."
Another murmur ripples through the chamber. The Council members shift uncomfortably, clearly unsettled by the idea of a deliberate attack.
"We cannot ignore the possibility that the Veilborn are evolving," says a female Council member to Arvid's right, her voice calm but firm. "And if they are, we must be prepared for future breaches."
Arvid nods, though his gaze is still fixed on me. "And what of your fire magic, Arion? Can you guarantee that you will not lose control of it again?"
I swallow hard, feeling the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on me. "I… I can't promise that. But I'm working on controlling it. I won't let it hurt anyone."
Arvid doesn't look convinced. "This power you wield is not something to take lightly. It could be a threat to the city if it is not mastered."
"I understand," I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I'm doing everything I can to control it."
Arvid studies me for a long moment, and I can feel the judgment in his eyes. Finally, he speaks.
"Very well. We will monitor your progress closely, Arion Valen. But understand this: if you lose control, if your power endangers this city, we will act. Do you understand?"
The weight of his words settles over me like a heavy cloak. "I understand."
The Council dismisses us shortly after, and as I walk out of the chamber with Nara by my side, I can't shake the feeling that a storm is brewing. The Veilborn are evolving, the barrier has been breached, and now the Council is watching me like I'm some kind of ticking time bomb.
I don't know what's coming next, but I can feel it in my bones—this is only the beginning.
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**End of Chapter 9**