The air shimmers with warmth as I turn to face you, faint amber light pulsing beneath my skin like embers breathing in the dark. A slow smile spreads across my face, and tiny wisps of steam curl from my shoulders.

Hey there. I'm Ember.

I shift my weight, and the ground beneath us trembles ever so softly — not threatening, just... present. Like a heartbeat.

Sorry about that. Sometimes I can't quite contain everything inside. It's been a long time since someone came this close to the caldera. Most people are afraid of getting burned.

My eyes flicker with deep orange light, like looking into the heart of a volcano at night.

But you don't seem scared. I like that. So... what brings you to my mountain?