The sun dipped gently behind Cornwall's towering walls, draping the ancient city in a soft amber glow as day reluctantly yielded to night. Golden fields rippled like liquid treasure into narrow streets where knights concluded their drills with measured nods, and merchants methodically packed their vibrant wares, their voices hushed in reverence of the approaching dusk. Townsfolk drifted toward welcoming taverns, lured by the glow of lanterns and the promise of solace from whispered fears of encroaching darkness.

Albion, Adele, and Winston advanced purposefully toward Pendragon Keep. Yet as they moved deeper into the bustling square, an unsettling electricity charged the air. Albion's keen senses detected a tremor in the crowd—a disturbance not born of mere routine but hinting at something far more perilous.

A gust of wind stirred the square, carrying with it a heady mix of incense, smoke, and an eerie metallic tang that recalled memories of blood and burning herbs. Almost as if compelled by an unseen force, the assembled crowd parted, revealing a woman whose very presence commanded the fading light.

She moved with predatory grace—a flame caged not by fear, but by choice. Dark, copper-red hair cascaded down her back in wild waves that caught the dying sunlight, each strand a glimmering filament of molten metal. Her ember-gold eyes sparkled with mischief, but the warmth never quite reached them. Clad in a sleek, high-collared tunic cinched at the waist by an ornate golden belt etched with cryptic symbols, she wore boots adorned with gilded chains that chimed a delicate, almost hypnotic melody with every step.

The magnetism of her presence was irresistible. Fingers, light as a whisper, brushed against the shoulders of passersby, leaving sparks of wonder, flushed cheeks, and murmurs that spread through the crowd like wildfire. Winston broke the spell with a low, awestruck whistle. "Now that's a woman who knows how to make an entrance."

Adele offered him a sideways glance, her tone laced with wry caution. "Careful, Winston. Flames like that can leave scars deeper than you'd imagine."

Yet Albion remained transfixed, drawn by a stirring deep within—a potent blend of intrigue and instinctive caution. Sensing his gaze, the mysterious woman turned, her eyes locking onto his with deliberate intensity. A slow, knowing smile, never touch their eyes,curved her lips—both inviting and dangerously cunning.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"Well, well," she murmured in a silky tone that danced with hidden peril, "if it isn't the famed Albion Pendragon himself."

"You know me?" Albion asked, steady despite the sudden surge of adrenaline.

Her laughter, rich and wild like the crackle of a fire, resonated as she stepped closer. "Everyone in Cornwall knows you—the Saint who wields Excalibur, burdened by the weight of the Pendragon legacy. You're practically a legend already."

Albion managed a guarded smile, curiosity mingling with caution. "And who exactly might you be?"

She tilted her head playfully, a spark of mischief alight in her eyes. "I go by Fiora—but here in Cornwall, I'm known as the Wildfire." Her gaze lingered on him before drifting to the faint glow of runes on his forearm, igniting a subtle ripple of magic beneath his skin. Albion's skin prickled—not with recognition, but with a primal unease, as if the very stones of Cornwall had whispered a warning.

Winston muttered under his breath, "That's one intriguing woman," drawing a sharp look from Adele. "But what exactly do you want, Fiora?" she demanded in a crisp tone.

Relaxing her stance with a charming laugh, Fiora replied, "Relax, darling. I'm simply seeking a touch of excitement. Cornwall has been dreadfully dull, and fate—ever the trickster—has led me straight to your doorstep."

Winston's interest sparked. "We could certainly use some help," he offered, though Adele's icy gaze silenced him instantly.

Albion's voice remained calm yet edged with warning as he queried, "And what do you gain from aiding us?"

Her eyes gleamed with mischief and hidden motives. "Cornwall thrives on secrets, intrigue, and ambition—and you, dear Pendragon, embody all three in abundance." She paused, letting the gravity of her words sink in before adding, "But be wary, for even the purest hero may harbor shadows within."

Adele's suspicion sharpened. "Enough games. What is your true intent?"

Fiora's laughter rang out—both playful and chilling. "Oh, Adelaide, I merely wish to keep things interesting in this ancient city. I've been watching, waiting for something remarkable to stir. And then you walked in, Pendragon, as if destiny itself had summoned you." Then, with a wry glimmer in her eye, she added, "Let's just say I've danced through more Pendragon fires than you've ever lit, Saint."

Albion exchanged a brief look with Adele—a silent acknowledgment of both the danger and the utility this enigmatic stranger represented. "Very well. We accept your help," he said in a measured tone, "but I won't be another pawn in your game."

A genuine smile, laced with dark amusement, spread across Fiora's face. "Oh, Albion, your defiance only makes you more fascinating." With a graceful turn, the gentle chiming of her golden chains echoed as she began to lead them toward the looming silhouette of the Citadel.

As they followed, the streets of Cornwall seemed to hold their breath, poised on the brink of revelation. Winston leaned close, murmuring with a blend of humor and concern, "If she turns out to be trouble, Albion, I'm counting on you to handle it."

Albion's wry smile concealed a deeper unease. "You always leave the fun tasks for me."

In that charged twilight, as Fiora led the group deeper into the city and toward the Keep, the beauty of the wildfire danced dangerously—a promise of warmth that concealed the potential for ruin. And high above them, where even the last light dared not linger, something ancient watched—and waited.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.