The surrounding glowed faintly as Stella knelt before the Nightmare Fire.
The black flames writhed like living shadows, stretching toward her as if to consume her…
She felt her heart skip a beat as the fire got closer and closer.
At first, the flames brushed against her skin. It was cold yet burning. It was a mystery that made her gasp. Then they continued to expand, wrapping around her arms, her shoulders, her chest. It felt as though the fire was trying to crawl inside her, searching for weakness.
She clenched her fists as she knew that she couldn't miss this opportunity...
'I can endure this. I must.'
But the Nightmare Fire was merciless. It pressed deeper, burning her veins, filling her lungs with darkness and heat.
Even her vision blurred, and for a moment, she thought she was drowning in darkness.
"Hold on, Stella!" Ruth's voice rang out, steady but urgent.
Stella tried to focus, but the fire whispered to her mind.
'Stop fighting… surrender… let me consume you.'
