Dancing on the golden ashes

The massive gates creaked open as I stood, bound in golden chains. I couldn't muster any energy to resist—the oppressive aura of the chains drained every ounce of strength from me.

The crystalline gates shimmered in the light, and from beyond them emerged guards clad in flame-wreathed armor. Their movements were precise, their presence suffocating. They approached with an air of curiosity, their fiery eyes scrutinizing every inch of me.

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"I believe this one is yours," the golden-armored guard said coldly, gesturing toward me.

My gaze shifted to the figures waiting beyond the gate—fearsome-looking individuals whose very presence radiated danger. They didn't look like the kind to hesitate when it came to setting someone ablaze or inflicting untold pain for their sins.

And now, I was at their mercy.

Gaon, you fool. You brought this upon yourself…

The middle-aged guard scanned me with a piercing gaze, his eyes narrowing as a flicker of surprise crossed his face. "A pure fire body," he murmured, almost to himself. "Rare these days... But she isn't one of ours. Why have you brought her here?"

The golden-armored guard, now shifting uncomfortably, glanced at me before answering. "This person claimed to be a disciple of the goddess. I leave her in your hands to decide what to do next."

Without another word, he turned and fled, leaving me and Jieun alone in the shadow of the imposing guards.

Well, damn... I thought, my chest tightening. I wonder what the goddess will say—if she even bothers to show up.

The guards wasted no time. Fiery spears were immediately leveled at us, their sharp tips radiating a heat that promised a quick and agonizing end.

"HOLD!"

The commanding voice of the middle-aged guard rang out as he raised a hand, his tone brooking no argument. The tension in the air eased slightly as the other guards reluctantly lowered their weapons, though their wary eyes remained fixed on me.

"It's your lucky day, troublemaker," the middle-aged guard said with a smirk. "The goddess has requested the two of you be summoned before her. At least you'll get to live a little while longer."

With a sharp signal, he commanded the guards to escort us. The heavy gates opened further, and we were led inside.

The citadel's interior was breathtaking—extravagantly decorated with fiery gems and diamonds that refracted light in every direction. The walls shimmered as if they were alive, reflecting a kaleidoscope of flames. Every inch of the space radiated heat and power, leaving me both awed and uneasy.

I wonder if she'd even notice one or two diamonds missing.

It wasn't long before we arrived at a private chamber. The guards opened the door with a low creak, and my breath caught as I stepped inside.

Sitting casually on an ornate bed, her long red hair cascading down almost to the floor, was a familiar figure. The Goddess of Fire, Agnia.

Her fiery aura filled the room, both beautiful and terrifying, and for a brief moment, I couldn't tell if her expression was one of amusement or irritation.

"How wonderful..." Agnia purred, her voice dripping with amusement. "Two excellent disciples appeared right in front of me, just when I needed them. Truly, it must be my lucky day."

She moved closer, her fiery presence suffocating. Her hand tilted my chin upward, forcing my gaze to meet hers as her face drew dangerously close.

"It's nice to see you again, Lee Gaon," the goddess said in a low, sultry purr. "It's been a while since part of my soul met you in that gem. How have you been, beautiful?"

Jieun shot me a weird look, her expression caught somewhere between confusion and curiosity.

Not again...

"Fuck off!" I snapped, fury bubbling in my chest. "I told you once, and I'll tell you again—I'm not interested in women! And guess what? Nothing's changed!"

I tried to kick her, but the golden chains binding me kept me immobilized. The frustration only made my blood boil hotter.

"As fierce as always," she chuckled, clearly entertained by my resistance. Her smirk widened as her gaze shifted to Jieun. "And this time, you brought a guest. Who's this little genius?"

"I'm Park Jieun, big sis!" Jieun declared confidently, stepping forward without hesitation.Despite being restrained by golden chains, she appeared calm... too calm.

Her boldness made my heart skip a beat. She wasn't afraid, not even a little, and that terrified me. This kid... she's growing too fast. Too confident.

"Good answer," Agnia said, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Unlike that big sister of yours, who forgot to even say hello to her old friend."

Her fiery eyes shifted back to me as she sat gracefully on the crimson bed, crossing her legs with an air of casual dominance.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"I don't understand how this works or how it's even possible for you to know me," I said, narrowing my eyes. "But I can imagine this isn't the past, and this isn't the real world. I've figured out that much."

I kept my tone steady, probing her carefully. Let's see how much this self-proclaimed goddess is willing to spill.

"Heh..." She chuckled softly, shaking her head as if disappointed. "You have no respect for your master... none at all. It makes my heart ache." She sighed theatrically, placing a hand on her chest.

I turned my head away, refusing to meet her gaze, the irritation bubbling beneath my skin.

"So, tell me," she said, her voice suddenly softer, almost curious. "How has your journey been? Have you grown familiar with your fire powers yet?"

Her words dripped with condescension, but there was something deeper in her tone—something that hinted at genuine interest.

"It's... great," I said reluctantly, my voice guarded. "Much stronger than you described the first time. It even changed—took on a golden color."

I watched her closely, catching the subtle furrow of her brow. For the first time, the goddess looked genuinely surprised.

Without warning, the shackles around me and Jieun vanished. The sudden release left me momentarily unsteady, but the feeling of freedom quickly flooded back. My hand instinctively tightened around the golden plate, its mysterious aura pulsing faintly in my grip.

"Show it to me!" she demanded, her voice sharp and rushed.

I hesitated for a moment, but the energy inside me answered before I could think. The air around me ignited in a brilliant golden light, flames engulfing my body. The warmth wasn't painful—instead, it felt... calming, almost as if it were cradling me.

Her eyes widened in alarm, the composed facade she wore shattering. "Where did you find that flame?!"

Her exclamation carried a mix of astonishment and something else—panic.

"The last time we met, I didn't feel that flame inside you!"

I explained the situation to her, detailing how the flame might be related to the Fallen King and how I had only recently awakened it. I didn't dare hide any details—better to be upfront with this goddess than risk her wrath or her probing deeper.

Meanwhile, Jieun had discovered a small collection of dolls tucked away in the corner of the room. She was ecstatic, happily arranging and playing with them, her giggles filling the otherwise heavy atmosphere. Her innocent distraction gave me the space to speak candidly with Agnia.

"What you possess," the goddess said, her voice measured, "is the sacred light of the chosen few. I believe that all of you were gifted these by... that person."

Her fiery eyes flickered as she held her chin and turned to gaze out the window. The citadel overlooked the sprawling city below, a vast expanse glowing with life and mystery.

"But why?" she continued, more to herself than to me. "That would not benefit him at all. It would only make him vulnerable to you."

I hesitated, the memory of that encounter flashing vividly in my mind.

"He tricked me into a vow," I said, my voice steady but tinged with anger.

Her head turned sharply toward me, interest flashing in her eyes.

"I must help him with something in the future," I admitted. "He didn't say what or when, only that the time will come. And I... I agreed to it."

The words left a bitter taste in my mouth. Even now, I hated the thought of being bound by such an oath.

Agnia's expression darkened as she studied me intently. "A vow with him is no small thing," she said quietly, almost as if speaking to herself. "What have you gotten yourself into, Gaon?"

Her eyes widened, a mix of surprise and worry flashing across her face.

"Let's say you help him," she began cautiously. "What will he pay you in return?"

"His life!" I declared, my voice resolute, the weight of my words echoing in the room.

Agnia chuckled softly, but there was a sharp edge to it. "You're truly a ferocious one, Lee Gaon. Even daring to challenge someone like that person."

She stood, her fiery presence commanding the space as she regarded me with an expression that was equal parts admiration and concern.