The path narrowed, winding between steep cliffs and tangled roots. Ariya followed Lyra, who practically danced from rock to rock like she was born in the trees. Kael walked behind them, grumbling every time he tripped on a root.
Lyra grinned over her shoulder.
"Try to keep up, Captain Stormcloud. We're almost there."
Kael glared. "If your idea of 'there' is another ambush, I'm turning around."
"Relax," she said. "This ambush is friendly."
At the end of the canyon, a stone wall loomed. There were no doors. No markings.
Just a slab of solid mountain.
Ariya raised an eyebrow. "Uh. You sure this is it?"
Lyra winked. "Watch and be dazzled."
She pressed both hands to the stone. For a second, nothing happened.
Then the wall shivered, like water disturbed by wind.
A faint fox-shaped symbol glowed beneath her palms.
And the mountain opened.
🕳️ The Rebel Hideout – Emberdeep
They stepped into a torch-lit tunnel, lined with glowing moss and ancient roots. It led to a wide cavern lit with warm lanterns, makeshift beds, maps, and people in cloaks sharpening blades.
It was a rebel camp—hidden beneath the earth.
Kael crossed his arms. "Didn't think this place was still standing."
"Most don't," Lyra said. "That's why it still is."
As they walked in, Ariya felt it. The heat in her chest again. A tugging sensation. Like her power was echoing something deep inside the mountain.
She touched the ring at her neck.
It glowed.
ABOUT THEM OR A HINT
🔥 Their Powers — First Signs 🔥 Ariya – Fireborn
Ariya's control is still rough. She's scared of burning someone again, but something in this place awakens her flame.
Emotion triggers her power.
In Emberdeep, the flames in the torches bend toward her.
Later, she'll learn she can shape fire, not just summon it.
One day, she won't need the ring to ignite.One day, the fire will answer only to her.
🗡️ Kael – Shadowsteel
Kael insists he has no magic. But in battle, he's too fast, too sharp—almost supernaturally precise.
His blades hum faintly near magic.
His body reacts before danger strikes—like instinct.
His past may involve forbidden training from the royal assassins.
His power is quiet—but deadly.Shadow magic, dormant in his blood.
🦊 Lyra – The Veil Sense
Lyra jokes that she's "just a girl with good boots," but there's more:
She can sense illusions and see through glamours
The stone gate answered her—like it knew her.
She moves through the woods like the world makes way for her.
Her magic is ancient and clever—tied to secrets, sight, and speed.Like a fox with a thousand eyes.
Kael (watching Lyra dodge traps):
"You sure you don't have powers?"
Lyra (grinning):
"I have many talents. Magic's just one of them."
Ariya:
"I don't even know what mine is yet."
Kael:
"Yours burns too bright to stay hidden. Trust me."
📜 The Message That Changes Everything
Just as they settle in, a rebel scout runs into the room, out of breath.
"A message from the east!" she says. "The king's hunters found something. Or someone."
She hands a scroll to the rebel leader. His eyes widen.
He looks at Ariya.
"They know you're alive. And they've sent something worse than a shadowbeast."