Elira's control over fire grows, but she yearns to understand more. One dawn, she climbs to the castle's highest tower where the wind howls strongest. She closes her eyes and listens—not with ears, but with her heart.
A gentle laugh dances on the breeze.
"So the Vessel awakens."
Sylph, King of Air, appears as a translucent figure—eyes like clear skies, voice like a song. He's curious, playful, and speaks in riddles. He teaches Elira to feel the current of emotions in the air, to glide instead of force.
Meanwhile, Kael grows suspicious. He notices birds hovering around Elira when she walks, flames flickering in her presence even when no fire is lit. He asks her one evening:
"Are you hiding something?"
Elira meets his eyes. "Yes. But not because I want to hurt anyone."
He says nothing more, but from then on, she finds him watching her more closely—less like a jailer and more like a protector.