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Chapter III
Sacred Ember
The labyrinth released her into warmth. At the centre of a hidden chamber, suspended within delicate rings of light, burned a small flame with no fuel and no smoke.
She approached slowly. The ember folded inward and opened again as though breathing. When she extended her hand, it leaned toward her. She expected heat, but felt recognition instead.
For a moment, the whole chamber seemed to inhale. The flame crossed the space between them without moving. Nothing burned and nothing hurt, yet when she lowered her hand, the glow remained beneath her skin.
She entered the chamber as a visitor. She left carrying something with her.
