Ember shook her head. “No.” She raised a flaming brow, and the flames that made up her body grew. “You may want to sit. Perhaps you might help with that, Daughter of Thelrena?”
“Of course.” Green ribbon slipped from Aileana’s palms, and within a few minutes, the six of us were sitting on chairs made of woven vines and leaves.
“Much better.” The Spirit of the Flames stood in front of us, a smile on her face as she studied our group intently. “Now, where was I?” She pursed her lips. “Ah yes, the history of the Spirits. When the gods first created the continent—the land that was once ruled by the Dynasty of Roses but that you call the Four Kingdoms—they also made the land across the seas. The Indigo Ocean, the Obsidian Coast, Faerie, and beyond.
“The entire world was formed out of the four elements. Thus, the four types of Spirits were born. Spirits of the Waters, Woods, Flames, and Winds burst forth into this land before there was even light. The gods gave each of the Spirits domain over parts of the land. The Spirits of the Waters were given ownership over the rivers, lakes, and seas. Nontia blessed them with the ability to create tides, call forth rain, and calm storms. Next, Thelrena gave her blessings to the Spirits of the Woods. Guardians of the forests and the land, the Spirits nurtured the living beings that would claim this place as their home.”
Aileana murmured, “Like the Sanctuary.”
Ember’s lips twitched. “Yes. The Eldest Spirit of the Woods formed the Sanctuary as a place of refuge in the early days. To this day, it remains a place of protection and respite for those who seek it.”
Xander snorted, but Ember ignored him.
“Next, Kydona gave her blessing to the Spirits of the Flames. They were given the gift of heat and tasked with bringing life to the cold, dark places of this world. It was a blessing from Kydona that gifted the very first dragon shifters the flames that run through their veins. Finally, the Spirits of the Winds were made. A collaboration between Thelrena and Kydona, my brothers and sisters who live in the wind are always moving. Never stopping in one place for long, they guide those who need it. The Spirits of the Winds act as messengers for the rest of our kind, carrying news and secrets alike from one place to another.”
Ember’s gaze went to each of us. “You have probably felt them urging you forward during your journey.”
“I did,” I said, remembering the breeze that guided me out of the tunnels.
Kysha and Maiela looked at each other. “We have felt it as well.”
“So have I,” Aileana agreed.
The Spirit of the Flames smiled. “When humans, shifters, fae, elves, werewolves, merfolk, and vampires roamed the lands, we Spirits stepped back. Giving over the reins of the world to those living in it every day, we sought to rest our weary limbs. The Spirits of the Woods and Waters remain in the Sanctuary, while my brothers and sisters find their respite here, in the Heart of Ithenmyr.”
“Why here?” Ryllae asked. “Why this place?”
Ember met my mate’s gaze. “Because, Daughter of Kydona, magic—both good and evil—is stronger in the Heart. The four elements come together beneath Shadowfell Mountain and there is power here. Someone needs to watch over it.”
“The Gilded Amulet is here,” Xander murmured, rubbing the map.
“Yes,” the Spirit of the Flames said softly. “Among other artifacts, the amulet you seek has been kept here for generations.”
“So, you’ll give it to us?” Aileana asked eagerly, leaning forward in her seat so her elbows rested on her knees. “Is that why you came to tell us this story? So, we can leave?”
The Spirit of the Flames shook her head sorrowfully. “If only it were that simple.”
Aileana groaned.
“Alas, though you have passed two trials, there is one that remains.” Ember looked apologetic. “This trial, more than any of the others you have faced, shall challenge you in ways that you have never seen.”
“Could you give us any advice?” Kysha asked.
Ember shook her head sorrowfully. “I am bound by the laws of the Ancients. Though I cannot provide assistance, I am allowed to tell you this will be the simplest of the trials set before you.”
Suspicion fluttered to life in my stomach, and I narrowed my eyes. Something about this felt strange. “Oh?”
The Spirit’s blazing gaze snapped to mine, and her aura pulsed. “Yes. The third trial is not difficult. You must pass through the Heart in order to reach the amulet.” She raised a flaming shoulder. “That is all that is required of you.”
“That’s all?” Aileana crossed her arms, and she furrowed her brows. “All we have to do is get to the other side of this lake?”
“The Ancients have already judged the six of you worthy of entering through the Gate,” Ember said. “But passing through the Heart requires strength, courage, and stamina. It will take everything you have in order to survive this ordeal. Once you reach the other end, the Gilded Amulet shall be yours.”
Golden sparks filled the air and Ember began to dissolve into nothing but sparks on the wind. “One more thing,” the Spirit of the Flames said in her eternal voice. “All six of you must reach the other side of the Heart. Any less, and you will fail.” She dipped her head. “May the gods be with you.”
A Rose About to Bloom
SAENA