Bound to the Triplet Alphas

PHOENIX GUARDIAN EMBER POV

I exploded through the ground in a burst of flames.

Rock and dirt flew everywhere as I broke free from my deep tomb. For three hundred years, I had slept beneath the holy mountain, waiting for the call that would wake me. Now that call had come, and it screamed of death and despair.

My wings spread wide, each feather shining like molten gold. The night sky blazed around me as I rose into the air. Below, I could see the fight raging at the alliance camp. Dark power clashed with desperate hope, and the smell of blood filled the air.

I was too late. So many had already died.

"Guardian Ember," a voice whispered in my mind. It was the Moon Goddess herself, speaking through our ancient link. "The Shadow Lords have returned. The world needs you."

"I’m here," I said, my voice cracking like fire. "What do you need me to do?"

"Save them," she said simply. "Save them all."

I tucked my wings and dove toward the battle. As I flew, memories rushed back to me. The last time I had woken, Rome was falling and darkness threatened to swallow the world. I had used my reborn magic to stop the Shadow Lords then, but the cost had been terrible.

I had saved the world by dying for it.

Now I might have to do it again.

I landed in the middle of the battlefield with a crash that shook the ground. Shadow Lord creatures scattered as my fires washed over them. But there were so many of them, and more kept coming.