The Cinderwilds' embers smouldered beneath a crimson sky as Irisen and his companions made their way toward the ruins of Ashenfall — an ancient city swallowed by fire long ago, now a stronghold rumoured to harbour the True Pyres' leaders.
Thalen led the way, his voice heavy with the weight of history. "The True Pyres were once flamekeepers like me, sworn to serve Ignarion. But in his fall, many turned to darkness, believing the flame's fury was their birthright."
Elyra's eyes narrowed. "They betrayed everything we stand for."
Kareth grunted, tightening his grip on his sword. "And now they seek to claim the Everburn Heart to reignite the chaos Ignarion left behind."
Irisen nodded, feeling the Brand's warmth pulse like a heartbeat in his palm. "Then we have to stop them before they burn the realms to ash."
As they approached Ashenfall's charred gates, the air grew thick with tension. Shadows moved just beyond the firelight, watching, waiting.
Inside, they found signs of recent activity — scorch marks fresher than the surrounding ruins and symbols of black flame etched into the stone.
Thalen's voice was grim. "They've already begun their ritual. If we don't act soon, the True Pyres will unleash a firestorm the realms have never seen."
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the ruins — cold, commanding, and dripping with malice.
"Welcome, bearers of the Brand. Your flame flickers on borrowed time."
From the darkness emerged a tall figure cloaked in shadow and flame — the leader of the True Pyres, known only as Vraxis.
His eyes blazed with unholy fire, and his presence twisted the air with raw power.
"Ignarion's fury is mine to command," Vraxis declared. "And with the Everburn Heart, I will remake the world in flame and ash."
Irisen stepped forward, Brand ablaze. "Not while I still draw breath."
The final confrontation loomed.
The war for the flame's fate was about to ignite — and the embers of the forgotten realms would either be reforged in light or consumed by darkness.