---
Under a blood-red moon, the Emberfall Bridge glowed like molten metal in the night. Riven approached AshenZero, who stood silently at the center, torchlight reflecting off his rune-etched armor.
Riven offered a nod. "Our allies are watching. I arranged discreet envoys—trusted adventurers from neutral guilds who owe me favours."
AshenZero inspected the small parchment Riven handed him, with names and sigils keyed to safe introductions. "We're up against both council and brokers now. We need more."
Riven's voice was low. "I trust you can gather them."
AshenZero's gaze swept the distant volcanic peaks. "Understood."
---
Midnight Pact
They strode across the bridge. Beneath its arches, hidden in smoke and rune-light, several cloaked figures waited: ambassadors from the Halcyon Watch and Stormwrought Guilds. Their eyes glimmered with cautious curiosity.
Riven gave a curt introduction. "These are AshenZero's partners—skilled rune-forgers seeking a common cause."
An envoy from Stormwrought, a tall woman in storm-patterned robes, studied AshenZero. "Your technique… unprecedented. The Council won't accept it without co-opting it."
AshenZero bowed slightly. "Which is why we offer controlled collaboration. Guild trade, mutual defense, shared vault reserves."
The envoys exchanged glances. "And what do you get?" the Halcyon Watch envoy asked.
AshenZero smiled. "Autonomy. Protection of those who follow the code. And a chance to avert a disaster—Vulkran's heat surge."
Riven stepped forward. "We swear our oath."
The envoys nodded. The pact was formed beneath the bridge's fiery glow.
---
Distant Roar
A tremor rattled the ground. From the direction of the Flamevault, a distant roar—more thunder than beast.
All heads turned. AshenZero's face went hard. "It begins."
Riven exhaled heavily. "Back to preparations."
---
A Bond Forged in Flame
They parted as the moon sank. AshenZero strode toward the city's dark horizon, the first ember-sparks of alliance flickering behind him. Riven watched, torn between loyalty and foreboding.
Beneath the bridge, the envoys whispered:
"If this works… Emberfall Night will be sung across guild halls."
"If it fails… all of Meras will feel the flames."
---
Chapter 9 sets the stage: The alliance forms, new forces align, and Vulkran's distant roar confirms the imminent catastrophe. The stakes have never been higher.
---