Chapter 11: Blood on Stone
The ruin trembled as the Class Awakening faded, residual energy humming through the air like a lingering storm. The crimson glow in Alex's eyes slowly dimmed, but something had changed.
He felt it in his bones—in the steady beat of power behind every breath.
Lyra touched his shoulder. "You're glowing again."
"I feel like my body's made of lightning and fire," he whispered.
[Class: Crimson Flamebound — Active]
Passive Effect: +4 Strength, +4 Magic
Bondstrike: Unlocked
A coordinated attack empowered by the Soulfire Link. Deals amplified damage based on bond strength.
Cooldown: 1 minute
Brann approached, axe slung across his back. "So. Now you're not just dangerous—you're rare."
Alex stood, rolling his shoulders. "What does it mean?"
Brann looked toward the cracked temple walls. "Means the Crimson Order won't send shells next time. They'll send reapers."
Lyra's voice was cold. "Let them come."
They made camp further down the cliff that night, sheltered in a shallow cave. The wind howled above, but inside, the fire crackled warm and steady.
Alex and Lyra sat close again, sharing a blanket. Silence lingered comfortably.
She leaned into him. "You scared me back there. When you collapsed."
"I know," he said. "But I've never felt more alive."
She traced a finger down his arm, thoughtful. "You keep changing. Getting stronger. It's... hard to keep up."
He looked at her, surprised. "You're the strongest person I've met."
She laughed softly. "Only because I had to be."
They were quiet again.
Then she whispered, "You're not the only one who lost people, Alex."
He turned toward her, reading the pain in her eyes. "What happened?"
"My mother died to a Crimson purge. My father gave himself up to protect me. I've been alone ever since."
His hand found hers. "You're not alone anymore."
She looked at him—and kissed him.
Not like before. Not fleeting or gentle.
This was deep—a surrender, a bond, a fire shared.
She pulled him down with her, lips tracing heat across his skin. No words. Just breath, heartbeat, warmth.
The firelight flickered, shadows dancing across the cave walls as their souls wrapped tighter in sync than ever before.
[Soulfire Link - Max Sync Maintained]
Emotional, Magical, and Physical Resonance: Complete
New Trait Unlocked: Soulflame Resurgence — Rapid healing when near bonded partner post-resonance
Later, she rested against his chest, her voice soft. "If we die, I want it to be like this. Fighting. Together."
He kissed her forehead. "Then we live like that too."