The Ring of Flame
The torches hissed as they were lit one by one, forming a perfect circle around the scorched obsidian stone at the center of the sacred arena. The Ring of Flame had been called—an ancient rite so rare it was considered a last resort. It meant the truth had to be unearthed, and blood, if necessary, would bear witness.
Raine stood at the edge of the circle, her spine straight, her hands clenched at her sides. She wore no armor today. Only ceremonial black and the crimson sash that marked her as Eclipse-born. The moon crest was etched into her collarbone, glowing faintly under the firelight.
Kael stood just outside the ring, his expression unreadable, but his energy coiled like a predator waiting to strike. Liora stood beside him, her staff grounded, her eyes glowing with
