– Ashes of the Zhurong
The throne room of the United nation of fire pulsed with heavy silence. Crimson banners lined the volcanic-stone walls, flickering gently in the heat of the ever-burning brazier that crackled beside the dais. Upon the throne sat Zhurong Leevanta — the reigning flame — and sister to the fallen war hero, Lord Huan.
Her fingers tapped the throne's armrest, sharp nails clinking against the carved obsidian. Her crown, jagged like the tongue of a flame, sat heavy upon her head. The ministers knelt before her, fearful, stiff.
"Dismissed," Leevanta said coolly.
The men bowed deeply and hurried out like smoke chased by wind.
Outside the palace, a team of young nobles approached the inner garden. Rangi led them — tall, poised, and fierce. Her white Japanese-style robe swayed as she walked, fire gently flickering in her right hand like it belonged there. Behind her trailed Gogjen, her younger half-brother, a fifteen-year-old boy with untamable white hair and endless energy.
He tripped on a loose stone.
"Careful," Rangi muttered, barely turning her head.
"I meant to do that," Gogjen said, brushing himself off with exaggerated pride.
Leeyang and Longchen followed behind, both cloaked in traditional red battle robes. Leeyang's expression was hard to read — somewhere between mourning and anger — while Longchen chewed something noisily.
The garden's stillness was shattered by the palace bell.
They froze.
A moment later, a guard stepped forward. "Zhurong Leevanta summons the heirs of Lord Huan."
The team exchanged uneasy glances.
Inside the throne room, Leevanta stood as they entered. Her crimson eyes scanned each of them like embers hunting dry wood.
"You are the disgrace left behind by Huan," she said coldly.
Rangi held her ground. "We were his blood."
"And I am the flame that remains," Leevanta snapped. "You will redeem your shame or vanish with it."
Gogjen stepped forward instinctively. "Is this really necessary—?"
"Silence," Leevanta commanded.
She stepped down from the throne, stopping just short of Rangi. The heat from her body alone made the air ripple.
"You want a place in my nation again?" she whispered. "Then fetch the Dragon Blade. Bring it to me, or don't return."
Rangi's fists clenched, but she nodded.
"You are hereby exiled," Leevanta declared.
Gogjen blinked. "Wait—what?"
Leeyang takes a couple of step forward . "Mom the dragon blade is a weapon only the heir can weild and it's not to be tempered with"
Zhurong leevanta stumps her feet. You dare call me mother!!?
Longchen uneasy. Lord zhurong how could you be cruel towards your son?!
Zhurong leevanta feeling pestered. I am the ruler of the United nation of fire,I choose to be whatever I want to whoever I want...you speak back to me in such a manner I have no choice but to have you thrown in prison...seize this peasant!! She held
A guard steps forward.muttered longchen son of Wue please come with me...
Zhurong leevanta uneasy about the patronize .i said seize him!!! She held turning her back on them as the walks towards the imperial throne ... Longchen gets taken away muttered I hate you! I wish uncle huan was alive.
Zhurong leevanta.seets on the throne with her hands glazing the emerald on her Royal robe..then she said
"You should never show face in the imperial city until you find the dragon blade