Liora crouched behind the cart with Mira, her heart pounding. The festival was a mess now. Shouts and the crackle of fire filled the air from the square. Smoke stung her eyes, but she couldn't stop thinking about the man with the glowing sword. Who was he? And why did her chest feel hot when she saw him?
Mira peeked over the cart. "The fire's under control, but people are mad. They're saying it's a curse."
Liora's stomach dropped. "They'll blame me," she whispered. The village always looked at her funny, ever since her parents died in the plague. A fire starting from her hands? They'd call her a monster.
"We need to get to my house," Mira said. "My dad will hide us till it calms down." Mira's dad was a baker, kind but strict. He liked Liora, but even he might turn her away after this.
Liora nodded, but her legs felt heavy. "What if that man in the white cloak comes? The one with the box?"
Mira bit her lip. "He looked creepy. Maybe he's just a traveler?"
Liora shook her head. That box glowed, and his stare felt like it saw through her. She'd heard stories about the Holy Order hunting people with magic. Was she one of them?
They crept through the dark streets, sticking to shadows. Cinderfall was small, with wooden houses and muddy paths. The festival noise faded, but Liora felt eyes on her. She glanced back. Nothing. Just the wind.
They reached Mira's house, a little place behind the bakery. The smell of bread usually made Liora smile, but not tonight. Mira knocked softly. "Dad, it's me."
The door opened, and Mira's dad, a big man with flour on his hands, frowned. "What's going on? The village is talking about a fire."
Mira pulled Liora inside. "It was an accident. Liora didn't mean it. Can she stay here?"
His eyes narrowed at Liora. "You started that fire? How?"
Liora looked at the floor. "I don't know. It just… came out of me."
He sighed, rubbing his face. "Stay out of sight. People are scared. I'll talk to the elder tomorrow."
Mira hugged him. "Thanks, Dad."
He pointed to the attic. "Hide up there. And be quiet."
Liora and Mira climbed a creaky ladder to the attic. It was dusty, with old crates and a tiny window. They sat on a blanket, and Mira tried to smile. "See? We're safe."
Liora didn't feel safe. Her hands still tingled, like the fire was waiting to come out again. "Mira, what if I'm dangerous?"
"You're not," Mira said. "You're my best friend. We'll figure this out."
Before Liora could answer, a loud bang came from downstairs. Mira's dad shouted, "Who's there?"
Liora froze. Heavy footsteps stomped into the house. A cold voice said, "Where is the girl? The one who started the fire."
Mira's dad sounded angry. "No one's here. Get out!"
Glass broke, and Mira's dad grunted, like he'd been hit. Mira gasped, covering her mouth. Liora's heart raced. It was the Holy Order. She knew it.
The attic door rattled. Liora pulled Mira behind a crate, but it was no use. The door flew open, and the man in the white cloak stood there. His hood was down now, showing a sharp face and cold blue eyes. He held the glowing box, and it hummed louder.
"Found you," he said, staring at Liora. "Ashara's soul lives in you."
Liora's mouth went dry. "What? I'm not Ashara. I'm just Liora."
He stepped closer, raising the box. "Don't lie. The fire proves it. You're coming with me."
Mira jumped up, holding a broom like a weapon. "Leave her alone!"
The man laughed, but before he could move, a shadow burst through the window. Glass shattered, and the man with the glowing sword landed in the attic. His dark cloak swirled, and his sword shone like fire. His face was hard, with dark hair and green eyes that locked on Liora.
"Stay back," he growled at the Holy Order man. His voice was deep, like he was used to giving orders.
The Holy Order man sneered. "Darius Korran. Still chasing Ashara's ghost? She's a danger, and you know it."
Darius pointed his sword. "She's under my protection. Leave, or die."
Liora's chest burned again, stronger than ever. The sword's glow pulsed, like it was talking to her. Who was this guy? And why was he helping her?
The Holy Order man opened his box, and a bright light shot out, aiming for Liora. Darius swung his sword, blocking it. The attic shook, and crates fell. Mira screamed, pulling Liora toward the ladder.
"Run!" Darius yelled, fighting the Holy Order man. Sparks flew as their magic clashed.
Liora didn't want to leave him, but Mira dragged her down the ladder. They ran out the back door, into the night. The village was quiet now, but Liora knew it wouldn't stay that way. The Holy Order was after her, and that man Darius knew something about her.
As they hid in the trees, Liora looked back. The bakery's roof glowed with light from the fight. Her life was falling apart, and she didn't even know why.