Chapter 15: The Witch of Emberhold
Emberhold was a city of smoke and molten stone—built into the veins of a dormant volcano that never truly slept. Its skies were choked with ash, its streets lit by lava channels running like rivers through the earth. Fire ran in the blood of its people. And atop its highest tower, where even the heat dared not rise, she waited.
Zaraya Flameheart.
The Fire Witch.
She was no mere mage. She was flame itself. Untouchable. Unclaimed. Untamed.
And Lucien was coming for her.
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> [Travel Complete – Territory Entered: Emberhold | Danger Level: High]
[Target Located: Zaraya Flameheart – Bride Candidate #5 | Status: Resistant, Sexually Volatile]
Lucien stood at the edge of the southern gates, flanked by Lilith and Veridiah. His eyes scanned the horizon. Heat shimmered above the city. Fire spells coiled in the air like serpents.
"She won’t come easy," Veridiah said. "Witches like her never do."
Lucien grinned. "I don’t want easy."