Flame Warriors fastened armor made from beast-scale and bone.
Fire Beasts lined up in the central square—Fire Lions, Flame Mammoths, Fire Foxes, and more.
Archers dipped arrows in smoke-oil, ready to pierce the sky.
From the hilltops, Fire Eagles took to the wind, eyes scanning every shadow.
Every hut wall was reinforced with fire-hardened stone.
Fire Foxes ran with scrolls in their mouths, spreading orders.
Children were guided into deep shelters, guarded by elder beasts and shield warriors.
The warning drums beat steadily—the rhythm of coming war.
The sacred bell rang thrice.
---
In the Shadows…
Far away, from the edge of the jungle, Nafreya stood on a cliff, her cloak torn from the blast earlier, but her eyes still sharp.
Behind her stood a new army—shapeshifters, illusion weavers, and shadow beasts.
She looked down at the glowing village with hatred in her heart.
"They think this fire can protect her…"
