C24 THE RECOLLECTION OF FIRE

The forest burned in stillness.

Elara stood at its core, golden flames swirling about her like a storm. The air rocked under her strength, yet she felt no heat — only a hollow ache deep inside her chest.

The violet-eyed wolves lay scattered across the forest floor, their black veins flickering as the fire devoured them. The ground glowed with the vestiges of her strength – too bright