The wind shifted.
Not in the way nature moved — but as if the world itself had noticed.
The gods were watching now.
Not through whispers.
Not through omens.
But directly.
Because Elliot Finn had made his choice.
And it was not to be their weapon.
---
He stood on the ridge above the marsh, arms raised, cloak snapping in the wind, Kaelith and Liora behind him — two shadows on opposite ends of his soul.
The Mark on his chest pulsed. Not faintly now. But boldly. Bright. Hungry.
> "You don't want a king," Elliot said, voice rising.
"You want a leash."
> "You don't want a hero. You want a flame you can hold."
The sky cracked above him.
And still, he didn't stop.
> "I am not your creation."
"I am not your mistake."
His hand ignited — not in fire, but in something deeper.
The Word Oloran gave him burned behind his teeth.
> "I AM YOUR WARNING."
---
Lightning struck the cliff face behind him.
Not natural. Divine.
Kaelith flinched. Liora smiled.
> "They're coming," she whispered, almost with joy.
Elliot turned to them both.
To Kaelith — whose eyes held pain and faith.
To Liora — whose smirk held fear she'd never admit.
And then he said:
> "If they want a flame..."
He pulled the last shard of Vaelion from his chest — his choice, not their design — and cast it into the sky.
> "...then let them meet the wildfire."
---
The sky split.
A column of red-gold fire erupted upward, coiling into the clouds, carving through them like a sword made of memory and rebellion.
And for the first time in centuries, the gods hesitated.
Because the vessel was no longer kneeling.
---
Flames formed around Elliot like armor.
Living. Breathing. Sentient.
His voice echoed — not from his mouth, but from everywhere:
> "I don't want your crown."
> "But I'll take it…"
> "So no one ever wears it again."
---
Liora fell to her knees, laughing. "You mad, beautiful bastard."
Kaelith just stepped forward and kissed his cheek, eyes glistening with fear and awe.
> "You really mean to fight them all."
> "No," Elliot whispered. "I mean to end them."
---
That night, the world changed.
Not because Elliot chose power…
But because he no longer feared what it would cost.
---