Chapter 12
The First Ember
Elara and Kael, guided by the child of light, venture deeper into the Burning Lands to find the source of the ancient infection. They cross a treacherous ashen desert, encounter a remnant of the guardian's past, and discover a hidden temple beneath the First Ember. There, they learn the infection is a living entity that must be confronted directly, and the darkness sends a new servant to stop them.
The child of light released the crystal pillar with a soft sigh. The blue glow held steady, but the seal trembled faintly, as if the darkness were testing its strength. Elara rubbed her aching hands and looked at the small being.
"We need to find the source of the infection," she said. "You said it began where the first ember fell. Can you show us?"
The child nodded. "The First Ember is a crater far to the east, beyond the ashen desert. I can guide you part of the way, but I cannot leave the seal for long. The darkness will push harder the moment I step away."
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