Page 48 of Embers to Flames

With trembling hands, I slowly close the journal and tuck it away in the pocket of my overcoat. The weight of this revelation is not something I had expected, nor was I prepared for. But one thing was clear—this discovery would change everything.

Standing tall, I brush off the gritty remnants of ash and soot from my tattered clothes. The blackened particles swirl around me as I straighten my shoulders and set my determined gaze ahead. “We need to fly to Endia.” I say firmly.

His brows furrow in concern.“Okay… but what are you going to do?”His uncertainty seeps through his words, mirroring the doubt gnawing at my own heart.

“I must seek out someone—anyone—who can reveal the truth about who I truly am and why my path is entwined with such darkness,” I explain, determination ringing in my voice. “I must speak with the Raven Witches.”

“The Raven Witches?”Theo asks.“They’re notorious for their unpredictability and dark magic. You can’t trust them, Rose.”

I nod, understanding the gravity of my decision. “I have to try. I need to know who I am and why all this has happened. Maybe they can help me to understand everything or lead me to someone who can.” As I stare into his massive, knowing eyes, I see a hint of concern and worry.

“I’ll be careful, I promise. We are bound to each other, Theo. You will always know how I am.”

“Wait… you mean to go alone?”Theo says. The surprise and disappointment in his voice rings clear in my mind.“What happened to us going through this… together?”

“Theo, I know you’re worried, but this is something I have to do. Alone.” I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my decision settling onto my shoulders. I reach out and place a reassuring hand onto to Theo’s muzzle. “Please understand…”

“But Rose, it’s too dangerous. I can’t possibly stand by as you traipse off to the Raven Witches by yourself.”

“I understand the risk, but I refuse to let fear stop me. I need answers, and this is the only way. You have to trust me.”

“I do trust you… I don’t trust… them.”He releases a sigh, and hot air escapes his large nostrils.

“Besides, if things go sideways, you’ll swoop in and save the day, right?” I say, half-joking.

Theo snorts, a plume of smoke curling from his nostrils.“Ah yes, because I live to be your personal Dragon-in-shining-armor.”

I smirk, cocking my eyebrow. “Well, you do make quite the dashing rescuer.”

He rolls his big bright eyes, but I catch the hint of a smile on his maw.“One of these days, Rose, your shenanigans are going to turn my scales grey.”

“Good thing you’ve got centuries to spare,” I tease, giving his snout a playful tap.

The first rays of dawn begin to peek over the horizon, as I take one final glance at the scorched and ruined room. I commit every detail to memory, especially the contents of the chest that holds so many secrets—minus the journal, which is safely tucked away in my pocket.

Then, I climb onto Theo’s back. His massive Dragon body casting a long shadow over Eulee as he bends down to gently scoop her up in one talon. Despite his immense power, his movements are surprisingly graceful. With care and precision, he cradles her in his scaly hand. As we take flight towards our destination of Endia, Theo flaps his wings, causing the wind to whip past us as we soar through the sky.

By midday, Theo’s powerful wings are cutting through crisp winter air, propelling us over a vast, undulating landscape below. The city of Endia reveals itself like a mirage made real, its beauty surpassing even the tales that have traveled beyond its borders. The spires of ice that once seemedlike distant dreams now tower above us, their surfaces shimmering with the last touch of sunlight, casting prismatic rainbows that dance across the city’s expanse.

We descend slowly, and the city’s grandeur unfolds beneath us—a tapestry of life and ancient magic. The streets of Endia are abuzz with the day’s happenings, Elves moving with a grace that speak of centuries of culture and refinement. Their gazes turn skyward as we make our approach, a mixture of curiosity and shock in their eyes.

Theo alights upon a clearing just outside the city’s main thoroughfare, his presence commanding. Eulee stirs in his grasp, her eyes wide with wonder at the sight of the elven metropolis. I don’t think she has ever left the island before today. I slide from Theo’s back, my feet touching the sacred soil—or snow rather—of Endia for the first time. The air here is different—charged with an energy that whispers of secrets and stories yet to be told. Theo transforms back into his elven form while I grab a covering from a crate nearby to use as a makeshift cloak, hiding his nakedness. I gently drape it over his broad and winged shoulders. He looks up at me with gratitude in his eyes and rewards me with a tender kiss on the forehead.

Lord Phirel welcomes us with a warm smile as he steps outside his manor, embracing us with open arms. “Princess Rose! Theo! If only I had known you were coming, I would have prepared better.” He scans our attire quickly, “but judging by your clothes, it seems this journey into our snowy landswas unplanned. Please, come inside and warm up. I’ll have some hot refreshments made ready for you.” His warm breath forms clouds in the chilly air as he ushers us inside.

The cozy foyer is decorated with potted plants and framed paintings of snowy landscapes. Lord Phirel leads us to a crackling fireplace where he has laid out a spread of hot apple cider, freshly baked bread, and hearty stew. We engage in small talk while I warm my frozen fingers and toes by the fire. I envy Theo for always staying hot no matter the temperature—perks of being a Dragon.

Filled with a sudden surge of bravery, I address Lord Phirel. “My lord, I have traveled north in search of the Raven Witches, hoping to obtain some rather valuable information.”

Phirel’s eyes dart between me and Theo, calculating and wary. “What can you hope to gain from them? You need to be certain that this is the path you truly desire. Finding them may be simple but tapping into their knowledge… it is a dangerous undertaking.” His voice drips with caution as he speaks, his gaze piercing through me with unspoken warnings.

“I believe they may hold answers to many questions. The answers to my existence, my identity, and my true purpose.” I speak with unwavering conviction, knowing they are the only ones who can provide me with the truth.

“Princess… seeking help is one thing but searching for personal and inner answers is another entirely.” With a furrowed brow, Lord Phirel leans back in his chair and taps his fingers on the armrest. After a moment of silence, he rises and crosses the room to a towering oak cabinet. He retrieves a dusty scroll and a worn leather-bound book, bringing them back to the table. The parchment crackles beneath his fingers and the book’s pages release a cloud of dust as he flips through them, stopping about halfway through and motioning it towards me. “I want to make sure you’re fully equipped for anything you might come across. That’s why you’ll want to read this.”

I take the text from his hand and begin reading aloud:

In the shadowed realm of whispers and willows,

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