The ember circle
398 Words
The grand council chamber hadn’t been used in decades — not since the last vampire war. Yet now it stirred with life, torches lit with crimson flame as Aria stood at the center, surrounded by the Red Cloaks of the Ember Circle.
Twelve in total. Each one cloaked in flowing scarlet robes, each with symbols embroidered over their hearts — runes older than any language Aria knew. And every eye was fixed on her.
The woman who had spoken first, clearly their leader, stepped forward again.
“I am Selyra, Flamekeeper of the Circle. We are the guardians of the ancient bloodlines — and you, Aria, are the last spark that remains.”
Aria’s fingers twitched at her sides. “Then why are you here? To test me? Or destroy me?”
A murmur stirred the circle, but Selyra raised a hand to silence them.
“We are not your enemies,” she said. “But your flame is unstable. It could restore the balance between mortals and Nightborn… or bring about the Red Eclipse.”
Aria’s gaze flickered to Damien, standing just beyond the circle’s edge. His posture was rigid, arms crossed, jaw tight. He didn’t trust them — and she didn’t either. Not yet.
Selyra motioned to a brazier at the center of the chamber. “Place your hand in the flame. If you are truly Flameborn, it will not burn you.”
“And if I’m not?” Aria asked.
“It will devour you,” said one of the cloaks flatly.
Damien moved forward. “This isn’t necessary—”
But Aria held up her hand. “I need to know.”
She stepped toward the brazier, heart pounding like thunder. The fire inside it swirled unnaturally, as if recognizing her presence.
She extended her hand.
The heat licked her fingers… then her palm… then wrapped around her wrist like silk.
There was no pain.
Only light.
Golden flames rose higher, swirling up her arm in a ribbon of dancing fire. The circle gasped.
“She is the One,” someone whispered.
Selyra bowed her head.
“It is confirmed,” she said. “The Queen of Embers has awakened.”
Aria looked down at her blazing hand — no longer afraid.
Not of fire.
Not of fate.
Not of what she was becoming.
Because now she knew — this was only the beginning.
- Writer
