The Dragon's Chosen

The road from the Ashen Keep stretched endlessly, but the weight of the fourth medallion felt heavier with every step. Eira walked ahead, her thoughts tangled with doubt. Each medallion they claimed only seemed to stir more danger more questions without answers.

Kael's voice broke the silence. "We need to talk."

Eira glanced at him, sensing the tension in his tone. "About what?"

"Valeria," he said. "She's too dangerous to leave behind. She won't stop coming for us."

Seren nodded grimly. "She won't forget the humiliation. People like her never do."

Ryven grinned, twirling a dagger between his fingers. "I say we beat her again if she tries. Simple."

But Eira shook her head. "No. She's not just a threat she's a key. If the Flame bends to no one, why can she control it? We need to know her secret."

Kael frowned. "You want to bring her with us?"

"Not by choice," Eira said. "But we can't ignore her power. If Malgrin rises, we'll need her strength."

The decision made, they turned back toward the Keep.

When they arrived, Valeria was waiting her crimson armor gleamed in the moonlight. She wasn't surprised to see them.

"You're either brave," she drawled, "or fools."

Eira stepped forward, magic humming at her fingertips. "We don't want to fight you. But we're not leaving without answers."

Valeria laughed coldly. "And what makes you think I'd help you?"

Kael's sword slid from its sheath. "Because if Malgrin returns, even you won't survive."

For a moment, silence hung between them. Then, to their surprise, Valeria sheathed her weapon.

"You want my power?" Her voice was low and dangerous. "Prove you're worthy of it."

Without warning, flames erupted around them, creating a ring of fire. Valeria's eyes glowed as her magic swelled.

"Defeat me in the Trial of Chains," she said. "And I'll consider joining you."

The ground trembled as fiery chains shot from the earth, lashing toward them. Kael moved first, slicing through one with his blade.

Ryven danced through the chaos, his daggers flashing. "I hate magical chains," he muttered.

Seren unleashed a wave of frost magic, trying to douse the flames, but Valeria's power burned through it.

Eira focused, her magic wrapping around Kael's sword, strengthening it. "We end this together!" she shouted.

Kael charged, breaking through the last of the chains. His blade clashed with Valeria's, and the force of their battle shook the air.

Eira reached for the medallion's magic, sending a pulse of golden light toward Valeria. For a moment, the flames flickered enough for Seren and Ryven to strike in unison.

Valeria fell to one knee, breathing hard. "You're stronger than I thought," she admitted.

Eira stepped closer, her voice steady. "We don't need your loyalty just your strength. Fight with us, or the world burns."

Valeria's expression hardened, but after a long pause, she extended her hand. "I'll follow you," she said. "But I bow to no one."

Kael gripped her hand firmly. "Welcome to the fight."

As the flames died, Valeria rose beside them a new, dangerous ally bound not by trust, but by the weight of survival.

But in the shadows of the Keep, unseen eyes watched. And as the fourth medallion pulsed against Eira's chest, something ancient stirred waiting for its chance to rise.