---
The wind roared as Chirag, Siya, and Kael soared across the skies, leaving the dark land of Ashkar behind. The flame orb Solas had given to Chirag glowed warmly in his hand, like a quiet promise. It wasn't just a weapon. It was a memory—of a forgotten god, of a man who once dared to defy the heavens.
They didn't speak for a while. The silence between them wasn't heavy—it was full of thought, full of quiet fears and hopes. The world below shifted from dead lands to misty forests and crystal lakes. For now, they had peace.
But peace, they knew, never lasted long.
"We've awakened four of them now," Kael finally said, his voice cutting through the air. "The Forgotten. They're with us. But I still feel like it's not enough."
Siya, flying beside Chirag on her own demon-woven wings, nodded slowly. "The gods are quiet. Too quiet. They're planning something big."
Chirag looked straight ahead, eyes hard. "Then we need to be ready."
---
Their next stop wasn't a fight.
It was a reunion.
After weeks of traveling and battles, they returned to the Demon Realm. And though the castle gates opened wide and the guards bowed in respect, it was the sight of Raegor—Siya's father, the Demon King—that filled Chirag with calm.
The once stern and fearsome king had changed.
He walked forward, eyes sharp but warm, and placed a hand on Chirag's shoulder. "You're becoming more than even I imagined."
"Not without your daughter," Chirag replied with a small smile.
Raegor grunted, amused. "You'll have to prove yourself more than that when the time comes."
Chirag didn't ask what he meant.
He already knew.
---
That evening, the Demon Castle held a gathering—not for celebration, but for unity. All leaders of demon tribes were summoned. The skies darkened with the wings of warriors. Fire pits lit up the night. And at the center of it all, Chirag stood, facing the crowd.
Kael stood to his right. Siya to his left.
Chirag spoke.
"When I was born, I had no power. I was abandoned. I was forgotten. But the demons gave me a home. Siya gave me strength. And now, I carry the flame not for revenge—but to protect that home. To protect her. To protect all of you."
His voice rang out clearly, burning with truth.
"The gods plan to destroy us. Not because we're evil. But because we don't bow to them. They fear change. They fear what they can't control. I say we show them… we are not afraid."
The demons roared in response.
A tide of voices. A rising storm.
---
Later that night, as the fires burned low and most had returned to their chambers, Chirag sat on the edge of the Demon Tower alone. The wind was cold up here. The stars looked closer.
Siya joined him quietly, wrapping a cloak around both of them. Her warmth always reached deeper than fire.
"You spoke like a true ruler," she whispered.
"I'm not a ruler," Chirag replied.
"But you are a leader," she said, resting her head on his shoulder.
For a while, they just sat in silence.
Then Siya asked softly, "Do you ever wonder what would've happened… if we never met?"
Chirag turned to her, eyes serious.
"No. Because that world… wouldn't be worth saving."
She smiled, and he kissed her forehead.
But the moment was interrupted by a sudden chill in the air.
The flames in the torches nearby flickered—then died.
Siya stood, alarmed. "That's not normal."
Before either could move, a voice echoed through the sky.
A voice of thunder and silk.
"Chirag. Flame-Born. The gods summon you."
---
In the sky above, a rift tore open.
It wasn't a portal. It was like the sky itself had been cut. Light spilled out—but not warm, golden light. Cold, divine light. Too pure. Too sharp.
From that rift descended three figures.
Tall. Glowing. Wearing robes of stars and armor made of light. Their faces were hidden, but their presence was unmistakable.
Gods.
Siya summoned her blade instantly, wings flaring.
Kael and the guards rushed to the tower top, ready to fight.
But Chirag raised a hand.
"Wait."
He stepped forward, flames at his side but not burning yet.
"What do you want?"
The middle god spoke, voice deep and empty. "The Council of Heavens has watched your actions. You have awakened forbidden flames. You walk with demons. You threaten balance."
"Balance?" Chirag snapped. "You call burning cities and killing innocents balance?"
"You were not part of the design," the god said calmly. "You are a flaw. A variable. We offer you mercy."
"What kind of mercy?"
"Surrender. Surrender your powers. Leave the realms. Disappear. And we will let the Demon Realm stand—for now."
Everyone around Chirag tensed.
Siya's grip tightened on her sword. Kael stepped closer.
But Chirag… laughed.
A quiet, tired laugh.
"You want me to erase myself… for your comfort?"
The god said nothing.
Chirag's flames rose, golden-red, bright and beautiful.
"Tell your Council this: I will not surrender. I will not bow. I will protect this world, even if I have to burn the sky to do it."
The gods didn't speak again.
They simply turned—and vanished.
The rift closed.
The night returned.
But something had changed.
---
Later, in the war room, Chirag gathered his allies.
"We have no more time. The gods made their offer. That was their last warning."
Siya placed a map on the table. "There are still two Forgotten Gods left. We find them. Then we gather every force we can—demon, human, ruler. And we prepare."
Kael nodded. "The real war is coming."
Chirag looked at the map… then at the flames in his hand.
The path ahead was full of shadows.
But he wasn't afraid.
Because now, he wasn't walking it alone.
---