First Ember

Stillness broke. Within my chest, the cold core flared with sudden heat. I flexed my gauntlets, listening to the heavy rattle of iron links around my wrists. At my flank, the stone beast stood poised, jaws parted toward the dark sky. Deliberately, I lowered one heavy hand and pressed my armored palm against the crest of its snout. Rough stone met heated metal. A deep vibration hummed through my joints. I am awake.