"Salt on the wind. Smoke in the blood. The fire never really dies."
---
(Ruined Capital – Broken Inn)
Ash curled in the corners of the hearth. The fire was long dead, and the rafters creaked softly with morning wind.
Cornelius stirred first.
A groan. A sharp breath. Then the weight of failure pressed into his chest.
He sat up slowly—vision spinning—then froze at the voice from across the room:
"You already awake, golden boy?"
Dantes leaned against a crumbling beam, arms crossed, coat dusted with ash. A grin tugged lazily at the corner of his mouth.
"That ambush really knocked you out. You're lucky I like your face."
Cornelius blinked, trying to reorient.
Then his voice cracked.
"They took them. Alberta. Francesca. I… failed to protect them."
Dantes stood. Walked over. Crouched beside him.
"You didn't fail. You got knocked out. There's a difference."
Cornelius clenched his jaw.
Dantes' tone softened—barely.
"I've seen what failure looks like. It runs. It hides. It doesn't crawl back to its feet."
From his coat, he drew a silver sigil—familiar, tarnished, and dangerous.
He dropped it in Cornelius' lap.
"They dropped this."
Cornelius stared. He didn't speak.
The weight of that symbol said enough.
---
The door creaked.
Ceasare entered—tired, limping, but alive.
His cloak was frayed, boots scuffed, a faint bruise on his cheek. He leaned against the frame like it hurt to stand.
Cornelius turned sharply.
"You… were with them. Did you see who took Alberta and Francesca?"
Ceasare shook his head.
"No. The crystal broke—I blacked out."
He looked to Dantes.
"What happened?"
Dantes snorted, then knelt to unroll a map across the floor.
"The convoy relic? It wasn't a blessing. It was bait."
He pointed to a marked spot on the Rechillia coast.
"If they took them, they're here."
Cornelius frowned.
"Why Rechillia?"
Dantes smirked.
"Far from Church patrols. Far from the Crown. Close to the sea. And closer to Duskreacheas."
He looked Cornelius dead in the eye.
"I know you've heard of it."
Cornelius nodded.
"If that's where they are—then we go."
---
As Dantes packed his gear, he looked to Ceasare, who remained seated on the ground, watching them.
"You're not coming?" Cornelius asked.
Ceasare shook his head.
"I'll slow you down. Besides… if someone comes looking for that sigil, I want to see who they send."
Dantes eyed him sharply.
"Right. And tell me—how exactly did you explain things to the paladins when you woke up?"
Ceasare smirked faintly.
"Didn't have to. I was unconscious. Convenient, isn't it?"
Dantes' expression darkened.
"Convenience usually means someone cleared the path before you."
Cornelius said nothing.
Dantes sheathed his blade, then stepped toward the door.
"Keep your mouth shut until we get back. Try not to die—Alberta would be upset."
As they walked into the rising light, Ceasare's voice followed them out:
"Bring her home, then."
---
(A Memory – Long Ago)
Sunlight through orchard trees.
A red-haired girl ran barefoot, chased by a boy with ink-stained hands.
"Little fire! You dropped your crown again!"
A tall man stood in the distance, watching with a gentle smile.
He wore a warlord's armor. But his eyes were soft.
---
(Rechillia – Arago Safehouse)
Alberta jolted awake.
Breath sharp. Heart pounding.
Her hands clutched the sheets—then slowly loosened.
Not a prison.
A room.
Clean linen. Salt air. Warm wood.
She turned her head—
Francesca sat nearby, sword in her lap, dozing lightly.
As Alberta moved, Francesca stirred.
"Alberta?"
Her voice was groggy—but flooded with relief.
"Where are we?" Alberta whispered.
"Arago. Southern Rechillia." Francesca rubbed her eyes.
"They brought us here. Whoever they are."
Before Alberta could reply—
The door opened.
Boots stepped inside.
Cloak weathered by salt wind. Armor dulled by age and battle. Gray streaks in his beard.
And yet—
His presence filled the room like warmth from a long-lost fire.
Duke Aslac Montagne.
Alberta froze—then stood.
She didn't speak.
She just ran to him and threw her arms around his chest.
"Father… you're alive."
He pulled her close, whispering through her hair:
"Yes, my dear little fire. I'm right here."