Three days passed in tense silence.
The students remained at Thalden's Hollow, patrolling the shrine, watching the treeline, waiting. No new attacks came. The forest, once full of menace, now felt like it was holding its breath.
Then, they arrived.
Just past dawn on the fourth day, six figures on horseback emerged from the mist, their cloaks bearing the silver-and-crimson emblem of the Solar Eternus Empire. Leading them was a tall woman with obsidian-black armor and a sword across her back nearly as tall as she was.
Commander Serana Vael.
She dismounted in one fluid motion, scanning the students with piercing gold eyes.
"You are the ones who touched the shrine."
Eryon stepped forward, unsure if he should bow.
Serana's gaze locked on him.
"Which one of you bears the mark?"
He raised his hand slightly.
Her expression didn't change. "You'll come with us."
Alice moved instinctively, one step forward. "He's still a student. He's under Academy protection."
Serana's eyes flicked to her. "The Academy has already consented to observation. And his flame is not ordinary."
Braedon approached from behind. "You'll treat him with the respect of a recognized champion. Or you'll answer to me."
A pause. Then a tight nod from Serana.
"Agreed. But we will be watching."
They set up camp just outside the village. Unlike the students, the imperial envoys brought enchanted tents, warm lightstones, and food far richer than the villagers had seen in weeks.
That night, Serana summoned Eryon to a private tent.
Inside, maps were spread across a low table, and a projection crystal hovered over a diagram of the shrine.
"You activated an artifact that hasn't responded in over two centuries," she said without preamble. "Do you understand what that means?"
"No. Not yet."
"Then I'll make it clear. That mark on your chest isn't just a symbol. It's a key. To what, we're still uncovering. But across the Empire, two more shrines have pulsed since your awakening. Two others that share that same chained flame."
Eryon felt the weight of her words settle like stone.
Serana leaned closer. "The Empire wants answers. And you will help us find them. Willingly or not."
Eryon met her eyes, calm but firm. "Then I choose willingly. But not alone."
She considered this. Then, slowly, nodded.
Outside the tent, Alice stood beneath the stars, her hand resting near her sword, her thoughts tangled.
Whatever road lay ahead, it was already paved in fire.
And someone—or something—was lighting the way.