Chapter 127

*Elora*

The flame danced in her hand—steady, patient, terrifying in its calm.

The mirror behind her pulsed brighter now, no longer a reflection of my body or thoughts, but something else entirely. A gate. An opening. A warning.

The burning version of myself stood only inches away, her expression unchanging, as if she already knew what I would choose. Her voice lingered in the air like smoke: Let m