The next morning, Elaro wake up to a strange sensation, like a warmth going through her body, pulsing like a heartbeat. She knew it was the Red Flame, its presence was stronger than ever. It feels as if the flame were calling to her and urging her to use it, to unlock its full features.
But beneath the warmth there was something darker, a force she couldn't understand. It whispers to her, filling her mind with visions of power and dominance. She shook her head, trying to remove the thoughts, but the flame's power was still in her mind. Karo noticed her distraction as they packed up camp, he was concerned. "You are quiet since we left the library. Are you all right?"
Elaro forced a smile, unwilling to admit the pull of the flame. "Just… thinking. There's so much I still don't understand about my power." He nodded, giving her a reassuring look. "We'll figure it out together." His words brought a sense of comfort, but she couldn't shake the feeling that her flame was changing her. She hoped that it wouldn't drive her down a path where she couldn't return from.
Their journey took them through a narrow valley, the long cliffs casting shadows over the path. The air was heavy and thick with a sense of sounds everywhere.
Eldin give them signal to stop. "This place… it's full of taint. The shades have been here."
Elaro feels a chill, the flame within her was flaring in response to the darkness surrounding them. She could sense the shadows just beyond their vision, waiting for the right moment to attack. Karo drew his sword, his eyes were scanning the cliffs. "Stay close. We don't know what we have to deal with."
They moved cautiously, every step echoing through the valley. Elaro's senses were on high alert, her Red Flame burning brighter with each step. She could feel its strength going through her, a fierce and relentless power that begged to be out.
Suddenly, a dark figure comes out from the shadows, its form lunged toward Elaro. She reacted instinctively, her blade glowing as she strikes, the flame coming to life. The shade screech, its body dissolves under the heat of her power. More shades appeared; their red eyes were glowing as they surrounded the group. Elaro gripped her weapon tightly, the flame boiling within her. She felt unstoppable towards the shadows which were a mere obstacle in her path.
But as she fought, she realized something different with each strike and each use of her power seemed to awaken something darker within her. She could feel it feeding off the violence, growing stronger and more demanding.
The shades fell one by one, their forms disappearing into smoke. But even as they disappeared, the darkness within her body remained, like a shadow in her mind.
After the battle, Elaro sat apart from others, her mind was still racing. She could feel the flame within her with a constant and unyielding presence that both overpowered and frightened her. It was as if the power had a will of its own, pushing her toward something she couldn't fully understand.
Karo approached, his eyes softening. "You're different when you fight," he said quietly. "It's like… something takes over you." Elaro looked down, unable to meet his eyes. "I don't know if I can control it, Karo. The flame… it's growing stronger, but it's also feels dangerous. I feel it changing me and I'm scared of what I might become."
He placed his hand on her, giving comfort. "Power doesn't change who you are, Elaro. It only reveals what is already there. And I believe in you. Whatever darkness you face, I'll be there for you."
His words gave her a sense of peace, easing the fire within her. She took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the flame settling in her, its intensity was fading. She knew Karo was right. The flame was a part of her, but it didn't define her. She would learn to control it and balance its strength with her own will.
As they continued their journey, Eldin grew tense, he scans the horizon. "There's something wrong. I can sense… a presence nearby, something powerful."
They moved cautiously; every shadow feels like a potential threat. The air grew colder and a chill that seem to dig in their bones. Elaro could feel the flame reacting, flaring up in response to the darkness around, its warmth was both comforting and dangerous.
Suddenly, someone stepped into their path, blocking their way. It was Lucian, the shadow hunter they had encountered before. His eyes were cold. "Elaro," he said, his voice was smooth and taunting. "I see you've been embracing your power. But do you truly understand what it is?"
Elaro glared at him, her hand was on her weapon. "What do you want, Lucian?" He smirked; his eyes were glowing with dark amusement. "I want to see if you're worthy of the flame you have. Power is only as strong as the will that controls it."
Before she could process his words, Lucian erupted the shadows around them, forming a barrier that separated her from Karo and Eldin. She was alone, facing Lucian and the darkness was pressing on her from all sides.
"You have strength, Elaro," Lucian said, his voice echoes through the shadows. "But strength alone is not enough. Show me what you truly are." He moved toward her, his blade slicing through the air. Elaro reacted quickly, her own blade reacted as she blocked his strike. The force of the impact sent a shockwave through the darkness, the flames were clashing with the shadows in a burst of light.
They fought fiercely, their powers were clashing in the air of flame and shadow. Elaro could feel the flame within her, pushing her to strike harder, to unleash its full strength. But she knew that if she gave in, the flame would consume her, leaving nothing but ashes.
As their blades clashed, Lucian's gaze sharpens, his expression was turning serious. "You're holding back, Elaro. Why?" She gritted her teeth, focusing on the control she had worked so hard to maintain. "Because I won't let this power control me. I choose how I use it."
Lucian gave a smirk, with approval. "Good. Then prove it."
He disappeared into the shadows; his form vanished like smoke. Elaro stood alone, the barrier of darkness disappeared around her. She knew that Lucian had tested her again, challenging her control, and she had passed… for now.
As the shadows goes, Karo and Eldin rushed to her side, their faces were filled with concern. "Are you all right?" Karo asked. Elaro nodded. "I'm fine. Lucian was testing me… but I think I understand now. The Red Flame is a part of me, but I won't let it define me."
Karo gave her a proud smile, his eyes were warm with admiration. "You're stronger, Elaro." She feels his gratitude, her heart beating at his words. Eldin placed a hand on her. "You've grown, Elaro. But the journey is far from over. The flame may be part of you, but it will continue to test you, to push you to your limits."
She nodded. Her Flame was a gift, a challenge, and a promise, and she would prove herself worthy. As they continued their journey, Elaro feels a sense of peace, a calm that wrapped her like a warm hug. She knew that her path was difficult, filled with challenges and choices that would shape her destiny. But she was ready to face it.
To Be Continued