Heartstone - Chapter 55: Chapter 55

Avera emerged from the mountain at dusk, her cloak torn, her breath shallow—but her eyes… glowed gold.
Atera fell to her knees. “The Flame has chosen.”
Dalen rushed to her, helping her walk, but paused as he looked into her face.
“Avera… something’s changed.”
She nodded weakly. “It showed me everything. My parents… the bloodline… the war to come.”
Marah stood beside them. “And what of the core?”
Avera held out her hand.
A spark of firelight hovered above her palm, suspended in air. It danced like a living thing.
“I didn’t take the Flame Core,” she said softly. “It’s inside me now.”
Gasps surrounded her.
“The power awakened… not to be wielded, but to be protected. It’s not just fuel for war—it’s life itself. If they take it… everything dies.”
Marah nodded gravely. “Then you are no longer just a daughter of light… You are the Flame Bearer.”
That night, the council met again. Avera stood tall, her glow fading slightly, but her presence stronger than ever.
“We must unite the villages fully. Spread the word: I have returned with the flame. But this war won’t be won by fire alone—we need minds, hearts, and courage.”
Dalen stood beside her. “And weapons. Because whatever they’re sending… it’s worse than any of us have ever faced.”
The chiefs agreed. Messengers were sent. Weapons forged through the night. And deep in the forest, under flickering torchlight, the people began to chant Avera’s name.
She no longer belonged to herself.
She belonged to all of them now.