The journey to the Flameborn Mountains began at dawn. Lina and Jakob packed lightly but with great care, gathering food, furs, and the strongest weapons they could find. They told their father they would return as soon as they could, but both knew that the trek ahead would be far more dangerous than anything they had ever faced.

“Be careful,” their father had said, his voice thick with emotion. He clasped Lina’s hands in his, staring deeply into her eyes. “The Emberstone is a gift and a burden. Don’t let it consume you.”