That night, Kael woke suddenly.
The Ember Core pulsed violently.
Not in warning.
In response.
He stood.
The room felt… watched.
Not by the flame.
By something deeper.
"You feel me now," a voice whispered.
Not the flame.
Not the Refined one.
Something else.
Kael's breath slowed.
"…What are you?"
A pause.
Then—
Something ancient stirred.
And answered.
"I am what the fire answers to."
Silence followed.
And for the first time—
Kael wasn't sure which voice scared him more.
- End of Chapter 50-