In a world where mirrors whisper prophecy and fire remembers everything, two souls must choose between power and peace—before the last crown reignites.

The ancient mirrors—once shattered to save the world—have begun to awaken.

Talen, a reluctant heir with a mysterious past, and Lira, a fierce flame-binder with no kingdom to serve, are drawn into a quest to recover the seven mirrors of power. Each mirror reveals not only magic, but devastating truths—about the world's forgotten history, and about themselves.

As storms ignite, fortresses burn, and visions of the past twist into possible futures, Talen and Lira must confront the cost of memory and the seduction of destiny. With every shard they reclaim, the Crownfire stirs—an ancient force that doesn’t seek a ruler, but a vessel.

But what if the only way to save the world… is to refuse to lead it?

In the gripping fourth installment of Crown of Cinders, battles are no longer just fought with swords or flame—but with the truth, with grief, and with the power to walk away.

The fire never sleeps.
But perhaps, it can finally rest.

Chapter Eight: The Chains Beneath Emberhold


At first, it was subtle—barely a whisper through the castle's ancient stones. But by midday, the tremors grew into violent shakes that rattled windows and sent dust cascading from vaulted ceilings.


In the Regent's throne room, high above the city, a grim-faced man watched the marble floor crack and curl like parchment.


Lord Varric, the Regent's chief advisor, clenched his fists. "The earth stirs beneath us."


Regent Kaelen's eyes darkened. "The Flameborn awakens. We knew this day would come."


Varric bowed his head. "Our spies confirm her presence at Hollowspire. She carries the Emberblade."


Kaelen's lips twisted into a cold smile. "Then let her come. The chains beneath the throne will hold her—and the Grave Flame will consume all."


Far below the city, deep in Emberhold's forgotten catacombs, the ground cracked open to reveal a cavern bathed in molten light.


Nyra stood at the cavern's edge, her eyes wide as the enormous figure before her stretched beneath layers of black stone and fire.


Its scales shimmered like smoldering coal, its eyes closed but burning faintly with ember-red light.


Kael whispered, "The guardian sleeps, bound by chains forged in the Phoenix Age. No Flameborn has ever awakened it."


Nyra stepped forward, gripping the Emberblade.


As she touched the dragon's snout, the creature's eyes snapped open—blazing with ancient fire and wisdom.


A voice echoed inside her mind—deep, rumbling, and warm.


Nyra swallowed hard. "I need your strength to stop the Regent."


"The pact with death weakens the realm. I will burn the chains—but the cost will be great."


Chains of flame erupted around the dragon, breaking one by one.


As the last chain shattered, the cavern flooded with light.


But far above, in the Regent's chambers, Kaelen's smile twisted to rage.


"No one breaks the chains beneath Emberhold," he snarled.


Chapter 8 - The Chains Beneath Emberhold