The ruins stretched endlessly, a labyrinth of broken marble and shattered pillars. Nicolette pressed forward, the faint glow of the three flames orbiting her hand guiding her way. Every corner seemed to whisper, every shadow seemed alive.
But then—she froze.
A figure stood at the center of the courtyard ahead, cloaked in black, face hidden behind a silver mask. The stranger leaned casually against a cracked column, as though waiting.
"You've come far," the masked voice rang, distorted and cold. "But the flames you carry… they were never yours to claim."
Nicolette's grip tightened around her dagger. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice sharper than she felt. Her knees trembled, yet she refused to show fear.
The masked stranger tilted his head. "A warning. A shadow. A mirror of what you will become if you keep walking this path."
Her pulse raced. His presence was heavy, suffocating, as if the air itself bowed to his will. The ruins grew darker, the walls groaning like they might collapse.
"Step aside," she said, though her voice cracked. "I won't turn back."
The masked figure chuckled, a low and broken sound. "Then prove it. Show me you are worthy to hold the flames."
He raised a hand—and the ground cracked. Out of the earth crawled shadowed beasts, skeletal creatures with glowing eyes, their snarls echoing like thunder. Nicolette's stomach twisted at the sight of them, but she steadied her breath.
The first beast lunged. She dodged, slicing with her dagger, flames bursting to her aid. The courtyard lit up in firelight as she fought, each strike fueled by desperation and courage. Her body ached, her breaths ragged, but she refused to fall.
Finally, when the last beast crumbled into ash, silence fell again. The stranger still stood, untouched, watching her every move.
"You fight well," he admitted. "But strength is not enough. The flames demand sacrifice. Remember that."
Before she could ask what he meant, the figure dissolved into smoke, carried away by the ruins' howling wind.
Nicolette collapsed to her knees, exhausted, yet victorious. She clenched her fist. Whoever that masked stranger was—he was more than just another trial. He was a warning. And perhaps, the greatest threat she had yet to face.