Chapter 26: Into the Flames

Ash, Mira, and Haru stumbled out of the trees and into chaos. A village was ablaze, flames licking the sky. Screams echoed as knights drove people into chains while monsters prowled the edges of firelight.

Mira grabbed Ash’s sleeve. “We should run.”

Ash didn’t move. His fists tightened until blood dripped down his palms.

He remembered the block back home. Houses on fire. Neighbors screaming. Police watching.

No one saved them.

Ash took one step forward.

“…Not this time.”

He crashed into the chaos like a storm. His blood powers whipped, cutting through chains, slashing beasts apart. The villagers stared as the branded slave fought harder than knights ever had.

When it was over, half the village still stood. People bowed to him, whispering thanks.

Ash turned his back.

“Don’t thank me. Survive. That’s all.”