Sara reclined against a jagged obsidian boulder, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Her body ached pleasantly from the day's training, and for once, her mind was quiet. She could still feel the lingering warmth of the flames from the trial earlier, a reminder of how far she'd come.
Ignatius stood nearby, sharpening his blade with deliberate movements. The sound of metal against stone filled the air, rhythmic and grounding. He glanced at Sara briefly, the corner of his lips twitching into a faint smile before returning to his task.
"Not bad for someone who claimed they couldn't cultivate energy," he teased, his voice calm but tinged with amusement.
Sara threw a small rock in his direction, missing him entirely. "Careful, or I might start believing I don't need your help anymore."
Ignatius chuckled, shaking his head. "You'd miss me within a day."
Their banter was interrupted by the sound of footsteps echoing through the volcanic chamber. Sara and Ignatius exchanged a glance before turning toward the entrance. A figure emerged from the shadows, her radiant aura clashing starkly with the fiery landscape.
"Elaria," Ignatius muttered, his tone dipping into something close to irritation.
The goddess stepped forward, her presence commanding. Dressed in shimmering silver robes that seemed to catch every glimmer of light, she radiated an air of effortless elegance. Her emerald eyes sparkled with mischief as she surveyed the scene, her gaze lingering on Ignatius.
"Ignatius," she purred, a coy smile playing on her lips. "It's been far too long."
Sara's eyes narrowed as she straightened, her earlier relaxation vanishing. Something about Elaria's tone—and the way she looked at Ignatius—set her on edge.
"Elaria," Ignatius said, his voice even but cold. "What brings you here?"
Elaria ignored the sharpness in his tone, stepping closer with an almost feline grace. "Oh, I was simply passing through and thought I'd visit my favorite flame wielder. You've been so... distant lately."
Sara crossed her arms, her golden eyes flashing. "Maybe he had a reason."
Elaria finally acknowledged Sara, her smile faltering slightly before returning with a calculated sweetness. "Ah, the Chief God herself. How delightful to see you here, dear. Though I must say, this environment seems a bit... harsh for someone of your stature."
Sara's jaw tightened, but she forced a smile. "I manage just fine, thank you."
Ignatius stepped between them, his expression unreadable. "Elaria, if you have no pressing business, I suggest you leave. Sara and I have important matters to attend to."
Elaria's smile turned brittle, though her tone remained light. "Of course. I wouldn't dream of intruding." She leaned closer to Ignatius, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "But don't forget, Ignatius, my door is always open."
With that, she turned and disappeared as quickly as she had come, leaving a tense silence in her wake.
Sara huffed, her irritation spilling over. "What was that about?"
Ignatius sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Elaria likes to... test boundaries. Ignore her."
Sara glared at the spot where the goddess had stood, her jealousy simmering beneath the surface. "Easier said than done."
Ignatius glanced at her, a rare softness in his gaze. "You've got nothing to worry about, Sara. Trust me."
The sincerity in his voice eased her tension, though she wasn't quite ready to let it go. "She'd better not come back," she muttered, earning a quiet chuckle from Ignatius.
"She won't," he assured her. "Not if I have anything to say about it."
For now, the volcanic chamber settled into silence once more, though the memory of Elaria's visit lingered like a flickering ember.