Elaro sat by the fire that night, the glow of the fire casting shadows on her face. Her mind replays the battle with the commander of shades, feeling both pride and unknown. The Red Flame responded to her will, but each use seems to reveal darker side, more aspects of her power. She wondered if it was truly a gift… or not.
Karo sat beside her. "Still thinking about the village?" Elaro nodded, staring at the fire. "They were afraid of me. The way they looked at me… I don't know if I can be a hero of people who fear the power I hold."
Karo gave her a calm look. "Power doesn't define you. What you do with it matters. You saved those people, Elaro. They may not understand it but they're alive because of you." She managed a small smile, grateful for his words. But the doubts were still in her, but she knew Karo was right. She needed to grateful for her power, not fear it.
Just as Elaro and Karo sat into the quiet night, Eldin suddenly appeared, his face was pale and intense. "We're not alone," he whispered, scanning everywhere.
Before they could ask for an explanation, someone appeared from the darkness. Wearing dark robes, the stranger's presence seems to blend with the night itself. He moved with a graceful, almost predatory style; his eyes were locked onto Elaro.
"Greetings, master of the Crimson Flame," the stranger spoke, his voice was smooth yet chilling. "I have come to see if the rumors were true." Elaro got tensed, her hand moving slowly to her blade. "Who are you?"
The man offered her a slight bow, his gaze on hers. "I am Luhan, a shadow hunter. I have traveled far to meet you, Elaro. There are… powers that seek you. I'm here to see if you're worthy of the flame you have."
Karo stepped in front of her protectively. "We don't need your judgment. Elaro has already proven herself." Luhan smirked, his eyes were glowing with dark amusement. "I believe that's for the Red Flame to decide."
Without warning, Luhan raised his hand, and shadows comes out from his fingertips, coming toward Elaro. She steps back, summoning her blade, but the shadows moved too quickly. They coiled around her, binding her arms and legs, their cold touch was sending a chill through her body.
Eldin and Karo drew their weapons, ready to fight, but Luhan held up a hand. "This is a trial, not an execution. I simply wish to see the flame's true potential." Elaro struggled against the shadows, feeling her strength. The darkness seemed to suck her energy, growing stronger with every moment. She closed her eyes, focusing on the warmth of her flames within her.
Slowly, the fire flicker, spreading through her veins, burning away the shadows. She felt the power grows with a fierce and unstoppable force that pushed back the darkness until the shadows release her.
Luhan watched, his expression was unreadable. "Impressive. But raw power alone isn't enough." He disappeared into the shadows, leaving all of them in silence. Eldin exhaled, his face was pale with worry. "If that was a warning, it is best to prepare. Dark forces have taken a notice of you, Elaro."
Elaro clenched her fists, her heart was pounding hardly. She knew now that the Red Flame was not just a power, it was a demon, drawing allies and enemies towards it. But she was ready to face whatever came her way.
The next day, Eldin announced a new destination. It has a hidden library deep within the forest, said to contain ancient texts on the Red Flame. "If we are to understand your powers, Elaro, we need knowledge. The Library of Solara might hold the answers."
They travel through dense woods and narrow mountain paths; the air was growing cooler as they get neared their destination. Finally, they arrived at the mouth of a cave which was hidden behind a waterfall. Inside, the cave opened into a vast underground chamber, filled with shelves upon shelves of ancient books and scrolls.
Elaro felt a sense something as she stepped inside, the air became thick with the weight of forgotten knowledge. "This place… it feels alive." Eldin nodded. "The library is said to be guarded by an ancient force, a presence that protects its secrets. We must be cautious."
As they searched through the books, Elaro's attention draw to a large, dusty book with a crimson cover. She opened it carefully, she sees the faded script in it.
The Bearer of the Crimson Flame shall have both light and darkness, a power unmatched yet bound to its master's heart. Only those who balance their strength with wisdom shall endure it.
Elaro read the words aloud, feeling a strange connection with it. The text spoke of the Red Flame's dual nature. How it could bring light or destruction, will depend on the bearer's choices.
Karo looked over her shoulder with a frown. "It sounds like a warning." Eldin agreed, his face was serious. "The Flame is more than a weapon. Elaro, you must be careful not to let your power consume you."
Elaro close the book. She knew now that her journey was more than just a fight against darkness, it was a test of her own heart.
As they prepared to leave, a sudden silence fell over the library. Elaro felt a chill running in her body, sensing a presence watching them. From the shadows, someone emerged, a tall woman with eyes like embers and a crown of flames. She moved with her gaze piercing as she looked at Elaro.
"Who are you?" Elaro asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The woman smiled at her; her voice was soft yet powerful. "I am the guardian of the Red Flame, the spirit of its ancient power. I have waited centuries for a worthy master." Elaro feels the weight of the woman's words, as if her very soul was being examined. "And… am I worthy?"
The guardian tilts her head with a thoughtful expression. "That remains to be seen. The flame is a force of creation and destruction. It will test you, Elaro. Only by facing your inner darkness you can master its light."
The guardian's form began to blur, her voice was fading like a distant voice. "Remember, Elaro. The Red Flame is not just a gift. It is a challenge… and also a promise."
With that, the guardian vanishes, leaving Elaro alone in the silent library.
As they left the library, Elaro feels her mind has clear. The words of the guardian remained in her mind, reminding her that the Red Flame was not merely a weapon but a journey to her self-discovery.
Karo walked beside her. "That guardian… do you think her warning was genuine?" Elaro nodded. "I think she meant every word. The flame isn't just a power to wield, it's a path I have to walk and that will test everything who I am."
Karo placed a hand on her shoulder. "Then let's walk it together. No matter what darkness we face, you're not alone."
His words brought a warmth in her heart, and she gave him a grateful smile. She glanced back at the library; the light glow of its entrance faded into the darkness. She knew she would return one day, when she was ready to unlock the flame's full potential.
But for now, she was ready to take her first step.
To Be Continued