A loud challenge rang across the garden at sunrise and every head turned toward the new fire path.
I stepped out of our grove with Julian right beside me. “Who is that?” I asked.
“Stranger,” he said. “Stay close.”
A tall man with dark glowing marks stood at the edge of the path. His voice carried clear. “I am Kael from the deeper fire. Pyra and Sol sent word of your open bond. I came to test it. If it holds I stay. If it breaks I take the heat back with me.”
Pyra and Sol walked up fast. Pyra spoke first. “Kael, we did not ask for a test.”
“I decide,” Kael answered. “Their claim looked strong last night. I want to see it under pressure.”
Julian kept his hand on my back. “We do not break. Speak your test clear.”
Kael smiled. “Simple. I try to pull your partner with pure fire need. You
