Flamebound: Rise of the Cursed Prince

🕯️ Beneath the Throne

Mirell moved swiftly through the hidden passage beneath the palace. Her torch flickered, sputtering against the thick silence as she led Aaron down ancient stone steps—forgotten by the architects of the new kingdom.

> "This tunnel was built when the Skyborn still sat on the throne," she whispered.

"Your mother used it… to hide the truth they wanted to erase."

Aaron followed, his hand glowing faintly with blue flame. The darkness seemed to pulse, as if remembering her presence.

At last, they reached an old door, sealed with cracked runes that still resisted the years.

> "It needs your flame," Mirell said.

Aaron stepped forward, pressing his palm to the center of the seal. The lock did not open—it surrendered.

---

📜 Inside: A Mother's Memory

The chamber was heavy with dust, lined with scrolls and broken books. In the center stood a pedestal.

Upon it lay a black-bound journal.

Aaron opened it carefully.

The first page bore a handwritten note:

> "To the one who carries what they could not destroy —

Remember, child… the flame is not power. It is memory given form."

—Elira Vex

He clutched the book to his chest.

Mirell's voice softened, almost a whisper:

> "They burned her body. But not her truth."

Suddenly, the stone above them trembled.

---

🩸 Above — In the Council Chamber

Screams shattered the heavy silence.

The doors to the Council Hall were thrown open.

Royal guards—once sworn protectors—moved with ruthless precision.

Their captain's voice cut through the chaos:

> "By decree of survival, the Council falls!"

Blades flashed. A councilor crumpled before she could speak.

Frankfurt drew his sword and stepped forward—only to be stopped by three guards simultaneously.

> "Where is the Skyborn boy?" one hissed.

> "He sees you," Frankfurt replied coldly. "And that's enough."

---

🔥 Convergence

Aaron and Mirell emerged into a side corridor just as a masked assassin turned toward them—blade raised.

Too late.

Aaron's flame struck like lightning, twisting mid-air, slicing through metal and memory alike.

He met Mirell's gaze.

> "We take them down."

> "Alive?"

> "No."

---

🔚 Final Scene

High above, in a shadowed tower, Lucien watched the flames rise from within the palace.

He turned to a figure beside him—face unseen, voice hollow.

> "It begins now."

The figure nodded.

On his palm glowed a brand of fire—a split crown.