Chapter 7 Echoes of the Flame

The room still glowed faintly from the fire phoenix etched across the stone table. No one moved. Even the air felt suspended, heavy with fear, awe, and unspoken history.

Kael's jaw was clenched, his eyes locked on Alpha Magnus. "Explain what you mean."

Magnus lowered himself back into his seat, the tension in his massive frame unmistakable. "The last Fire Queen wasn't just a myth. She was real. Centuries ago, a woman born with the same mark rose among us. She united the packs, yes, but her power grew uncontrollable. She turned on us. Burned half the forest and slaughtered her mate in a rage."

Amelia flinched. "Why would she do that?"

"She was betrayed," Lysandra murmured. "By someone she loved. And when a fire-wielder breaks... they don't burn alone."

The flame in Amelia's palm pulsed again. She clenched her fist to hide it.

Kael looked over at her, and for the first time, doubt flickered in his eyes. "You're not her."

"I'm not," Amelia said firmly, but her voice cracked just slightly. "But I want to understand. If this Flame chose me, then I need to know everything. No more secrets."

Lysandra raised a brow. "Then you must go to the Ash Grove. The remnants of her rule still live there. The truth is buried in fire and bone."

Magnus shook his head. "It's a cursed place. Anyone who's gone looking never returned."

"I'll go with her," Kael said without hesitation.

"No." Amelia stepped forward. "I need to do this. Alone."

The room erupted with protest. But she stood tall, eyes blazing with purpose.

"If I'm going to control this Flame, I have to face where it came from."

Kael's expression hardened, torn between his duty and something deeper, something dangerously close to care.

"You're brave," he said quietly. "Or stupid." Amelia gave a shaky smile. "Maybe both."

That night, under the cover of moonlight, she set off for Ash Grove, her heart pounding, the mark on her hand glowing brighter with each step... as if it knew she was finally coming home.