The palace trembled as flames swallowed the massive wooden gates.
Soldiers stormed inside like a black flood. Steel clashed with steel. Screams echoed through marble halls once meant for royal laughter.
Ayaan pulled her behind a broken pillar.
"Stay close to me," he said, blood already streaking his jaw.
She nodded, heart pounding like war drums.
Suddenly a blast threw them apart.
She crashed into the wall — pain exploding through her body.
Before she could scream, everything went silent.
Too silent.
Her vision blurred. The world slowed.
And then… something inside her woke up.
Her veins burned like liquid fire.
The air around her vibrated.
She stood up slowly.
Eyes glowing.
Power pouring out of her like a storm.
The soldiers froze.
"What is she…?" someone whispered.
She raised her trembling hand.
The ground cracked.
A wave of force threw the attackers across the hall like broken dolls.
Ayaan stared at her.
"Y-you're not human…"
She looked at her own hands in horror.
"I don't understand… I never had this power before…"
Before she could move, an arrow flew through the air.
Ayaan stepped in front of her.
The arrow pierced his chest.
Time shattered.
"Ayaan!" she screamed.
He collapsed into her arms.
Blood soaked her dress.
"I promised… I'd protect you," he whispered, smiling weakly.
"Don't die… please…" she cried, holding him.
Footsteps echoed.
Slow. Calm. Dangerous.
Zavian walked through the smoke.
Clapping.
"Beautiful," he said. "The princess of fire finally awakens."
Her eyes filled with rage.
"You did this."
He smirked.
"You were born for this war. And Ayaan…"
He glanced at the bleeding body.
"He was just a pawn."
She screamed.
The palace shook.
Flames rose around her like wings.
Zavian's smile faded.
"So it begins," he whispered.
The war for the throne had truly started.