Embera Flameheart's Arc

Chapter 4 of 4

Inside the bunker, the Serpent slid a slab of carved bark across the table. Blue ink glowed along its edges. Pressed scales caught the light. "Sign," the Serpent said. Embera's claw hovered. She still didn't know what this sister truly wanted from her. Guess wrong, and her only ally became her second enemy. Embera set the contract down. "Show me something first," she said. The Serpent's tail flicked, but she rose and led Embera out a back path. They stopped at a quiet pool ringed with smooth stones and fallen leaves. The water held the trees like glass. On the far bank sat a small shrine — and on it, a portrait of the silver woman, half-burned at the corner. Embera's breath caught. "You don't want a friend," she said slowly. "You want someone who already hurt her. Someone expendable." The Serpent didn't deny it. "I want my sister back from him," she said. "You're the wedge." Embera's wings tucked tight. The truth stung, but truth she could work with. She walked back, pressed her claw to the bark, and signed. The blue ink flared and sealed. "Eyes open," she said again. The Serpent smiled, thin and pleased. Embera had her answer — and a job she hadn't asked for.