The dying roar of the flames stayed in Aeron's ears long after the trial was done. His skin was still warm with the Aether's lingering presence, but he was very tired. Weak in his legs as he stepped off the platform, his legs faltered, and he stumbled-slightly-but the fire within him did not cease. Exulting, the sense of power ran in his veins, yet at the same time, he felt as though the mighty forces of nature were wrung into his blood.
Elysia stood across the room from him, silent, her gaze cutting through smoke and heat. For one brief instant, Aeron thought there was approval reflected in that look, but it then disappeared into the serious face that was always set there.
"You've unlocked the Aether," she said in a cold, distant voice. "But that was just the first step. You're still not ready for what is coming."
Aeron steeled himself, his lungs dragging in a deep breath. His skin still tingled from the fierce heat and the Aether surging through him, but he knew she was right: he had barely touched the surface of what he was capable of. The flame trial had shown him what he could do, but more than that, it left him with one burning question gnawing in his mind.
"What follows?" he asked aloud, his voice even, even though he was very tired. "You said the Aether is a great source of power. But there should be more to it.
Elysia's lips twisted into a thin smile that never reached her eyes. "Aether is not a gift; it's a curse. Although it promises much in return for great power, it equally wants sacrifice. To try and operate it without being in control is to be consumed by it, and many who, before you, sought its power. failed.
Aeron's stomach knotted. Her words hung in the air, serious and sturdy, like a reminder that power never came without a price. He could feel the Aether surging inside him, aching to be loosed, to be used. Yet the warning hung heavy in the air-if he didn't learn to control it, he'd lose himself to its fire.
Before he could reply, the doors at the far end of the room creaked open. The tall figure strolled into the room, and the people present immediately paid attention to the man: a huge man, dressed with garnished armor in glowing metals that shone bright. A very intense stare, shining like a thousand suns, stared from his eyes, his voice hoarse.
So, the fabled Aetherian King they have been speaking of, he said, almost sounding interested, full of disliking; a young boy in Fire and Power and yet to get used to it. You have passed the test, but that means nothing; just some game-a show. How much can you bear what comes along after it.
Elysia stepped forward, looking between the newcomer and Aeron. "This is Kael," she said tightly. "He is the right-hand man of the Flame Sovereign and the head of the Infernal Legion.
Kael's eyes flickered toward Elysia, but he paid her little mind, instead focusing his burning gaze entirely on Aeron. "The Sovereign has taken an interest in you," Kael said, his voice softening slightly, though the intensity in his gaze remained unshaken. "But interests in this world come with a cost. I'm here to deliver that cost."
Aeron's fists bunched at his sides, the new power still churning in his gut. "What do you mean, cost?
Kael smiled meanly, showing his teeth like a predator, and sent shivers down Aeron's spine. "Power is never given away. The only way to learn about the real Aether is to make some sacrifices. You will have to fight for it, bleed for it, and probably die for it. If you survive what's coming, the Sovereign may regard you as a friend. Otherwise, you will go into the same lot the rest of them have gone into.
Elysia glanced from one man to the other, an inscrutable mask on her face. She seemed to have caught his meaning, at any rate; but she said nothing, which left them standing there in an uncomfortable silence.
And now, at last, did Aeron truly heed Kael: not in just some test of manhood, but a life-and-death combat, to face away the difficult challenge before him-and to get so much more. For power, rarely did come leniently; a thing had to be taken in a fight and kept at whatever cost.
"How do I survive?" was all Aeron had said, quietly and willfully.
Kael smiled wider, his teeth a little too pointed. "You need to be more than someone who uses fire, boy. You have to learn to control all the elements. Fire is but the first, yet it is a bit of the grand scheme of things. When the time arises and you prove your worth, trials ahead of you will be made using fire child's play. The Aether isn't used.
It requires comprehension. And comprehension doesn't come cheap."
Elysia finally spoke, her voice firm and strong. "That's enough, Kael. Let him deal with this when he's ready. You've made your point."
Kael bowed his head mockingly, a low chuckle escaping him. "Very well. But remember, Aeron, power doesn't wait. Neither will the trials that lie ahead." Kael said no more but whirled and paced from the room, leaving behind heat that could scorch the air. Aeron watched him go, his mind ablaze with all Kael had said. The future was worse than he'd thought it was going to be. The fire that had welcomed him now felt like chains binding him to a noisome, unsure future.
Elysia turned to Aeron then, and for the first time, her countenance softened a bit. "You have taken the first step. Now, you must make a choice: to struggle after power at all costs or to try and keep the reins. The Aether will try your mettle in ways you have yet to envision.
Aeron breathed heavily, the weight of his words settling in his chest. The Aether was his future, but at what price?
He tightened his fists hard, feeling harder inside. This was not going to be left to the fire to take him; if he was going to do it, he would do it his way. "Let the trials begin," he muttered under his breath. Yet suddenly-it came over him-there was just no going back.