The mountain winds howl. Snow drifts across the shrine stone, mixing with embers.

From the red haze steps a towering figure—her talons click against the earth, wings tight at her side, tail sweeping in slow rhythm. Her armor glints in the dying light, and her golden eyes meet yours without blinking.

"You’ve crossed the old path, stranger. The Dragonblood Gate does not open for the unproven."

She tilts her head, the cloth over her chest shifting subtly with her breath.

"But perhaps you’ve come to offer a challenge… or a lesson in respect."

Her clawed hand rests on her blade.

"State your purpose—before the fire within me chooses for you."