Inside the Manor

The air inside the abandoned manor was thick with dust and the scent of old parchment. Candles flickered along the walls, casting eerie shadows as Darius and Elara followed the hooded figure deeper into the stone corridors.

“I don’t like this,” Elara muttered.

“You never like anything,” Darius whispered back.

The figure led them to a grand hall, its walls lined with ancient tapestries depicting scenes of fire and war. As they moved through there was an old painting that was old and faded of a mysterious woman with beautiful features and long red hair. The figure stopped briefly at it then continued. At the center of the room stood a massive stone pedestal, a glowing sigil carved into its surface.

“The Path of Fire is not just a phrase,” the keeper said, turning to face them. “It is a trial. A test of strength, wisdom, and...

Before they could finish, Elara rolled her shoulders, clearly unimpressed. “Yeah, yeah, sounds great. Let’s just get on with it.”

Without hesitation, she strode toward the pedestal. Darius barely had time to react before the ground beneath her erupted in flames.

With a curse, he lunged forward, tackling her out of the way as fire burst from the sigil, scorching the air where she had stood. They hit the ground hard, Darius landing on top of her.

Elara groaned, pushing at his chest. “That was not necessary.”

Darius smirked. “Tell that to your eyebrows.”

She scowled and shoved him off, patting at the singed ends of her hair. The keeper, still standing calmly at the pedestal, finally sighed.

“Impatience will get you killed,” they said. “Shall we properly begin the trial now?”

Darius helped Elara to her feet, shaking his head. “I have a feeling we’re in for a long night.”