Their next stop was a village nestled on the edge of the Whispering Hills, where Kaelen claimed an old friend lived—one who might know where to find the next bearer.
The village was peaceful enough, with crooked chimneys and goats that looked judgmental.
"I swear that one just snorted at me," Aeren muttered.
"Probably smelled your fear," Bryn teased, elbowing him.
"Or the time you face-planted into that mushroom patch," Kaelen added with a smirk.
"It exploded in my face!"
They were halfway through the town square when a loud crash echoed from the blacksmith's forge, followed by a stream of extremely colorful swearing.
Then she walked out.
Covered in soot, one glove half-melted, and holding a sword that was still on fire.
"Stupid, cursed, rebellious lump of steel!" the girl snapped, tossing the sword into a barrel of water. Steam hissed. She pulled off her glove, tossed back her hair, and turned—pausing when she saw them watching.
She was... stunning.
Sun-brown skin, silver eyes, a streak of copper through her braid. Muscles earned from work, not magic. And an expression that said don't start with me unless you want a wrench to the face.
Aeren swallowed.
Bryn leaned in and whispered, "You're staring."
"I am not."
"You are. It's adorable."
Kaelen just grinned. "Oh, this'll be fun."
The girl approached, wiping her hands. "You're either travelers or thieves. Which one?"
Kaelen stepped forward. "We're looking for Elira. Heard she knows a thing or two about enchanted metals."
"That'd be me," the girl said. "And unless that flaming palm of yours is for baking bread, you're about to ask for something ridiculous."
Aeren cleared his throat. "Actually, we think you might be… a bearer. Like us."
Elira blinked. Then burst out laughing. "Oh stars, you are insane."
The laughter didn't stop. It echoed across the square, drawing looks. Even Kaelen cracked a smile.
When Elira finally calmed down, she wiped her eyes. "Well, Flame Boy, Stone Girl, and Dagger Auntie—prove it."
Aeren raised his palm. Fire flared to life.
Bryn lifted a boulder with one hand.
Kaelen vanished into shadow, reappearing behind Elira with a smirk.
Elira stared. Then slowly pulled back her sleeve.
On her forearm was a mark—circular, glowing faintly silver. Shaped like a gear.
"The Forge Warden," Kaelen whispered.
Aeren blinked. "Wait… does that mean—?"
Elira gave him a sly smile. "Yup. I control machines. And you, Fire Boy, just volunteered to help me fix my flaming sword."
Bryn grinned. "Oh, he's doomed."
Kaelen crossed her arms. "Try not to fall in love before dinner."
Too late, Aeren thought.
And smiled.