Kael led her to a hidden cavern beneath the forest.
At its center stood a stone pedestal. Resting upon it was a crown forged of black metal, veins of red light pulsing through it like a heartbeat.
Elaria felt drawn to it.
"The Crown of Shadowfire," Kael whispered. "It belonged to the last true queen of Aranthia."
Images flooded Elaria's mind the moment her fingers brushed the metal—
A powerful queen wielding dark crimson flames to protect her people.
A betrayal.
A king seizing the throne.
A child hidden away to survive.
Elaria gasped.
"My mother…" she whispered. "She was the queen."
Kael nodded. "King Vaelor stole the throne and banned magic to erase your bloodline."
The fire inside her no longer felt frightening.
It felt like destiny.