In the aftermath of battle, the valley lay cloaked in silence. Snow fell softly over broken shields and burned banners, a pale shroud for the wounded land. Aran moved through the camp, acknowledging the weary nods of soldiers, his body aching, his spirit taut with the tension of what lay ahead.
Elira sat beneath the ancient Moonpine, her hands cradling a crystal urn that pulsed with a faint, internal glow. Inside it, the last remnant of cursed flame shimmered—what remained of the Bone Princes' corruption. "We cannot destroy it," she said as Aran approached. "But we may be able to seal it."
Aran knelt beside her. "Where?"
"There's a place beneath the Skyforge Mountains. A hollow chamber known only to the Flamebound. A prison forged of vow and void."
Aran's eyes narrowed. "The Silent Flame."
Elira nodded. "Only those bound by fire and love may enter."
Their journey took them north once more, away from allies and toward forgotten places. Vaerin stayed behind to hold the valley, though his parting words were grim: "If you fail, the world burns."
Days turned to weeks as they climbed the icy passes. At last, deep within the Skyforge Mountains, they found the chamber—a cathedral of obsidian and crystal, echoing with ancient power.
Elira prepared the seal, her magic weaving symbols in the air. Aran stood guard, feeling the corrupted flame pulse harder in the urn, sensing it trying to reach into his soul.
"This will take everything I have," Elira said, her voice barely a whisper.
Aran stepped forward, placing his hand over hers. "Then we give everything. Together."
The ritual began.
Flames rose around them, not of destruction, but of memory—visions of their past, of pain, love, and sacrifice. The Oathbrand on their skin blazed bright, the promise in Aran's eyes burning fiercer than ever.
With one final incantation, Elira sealed the urn within the altar. The corrupted flame was imprisoned—not destroyed, but silenced.
As the chamber dimmed, Elira collapsed into Aran's arms. Her light flickered faintly, but her smile was serene.
"The world is safe," she murmured.
Aran held her close, heart thundering. "It is. But it needs you in it."
And from within the silence, the Flame whispered back.