In the valley of the spice ridge, where the wild spices ran amok, you resided. It was a small village, with a population of only fifty or so, but it was much safer than the larger villages out north of the ridge. The Great Destroyer had returned, and news of villages being decimated in his wake sang throughout the valley.

You had foolishly thought you were safe. You could not have been more mistaken.

Everything was in ruin, the smell of smoke and ash nearly suffocating. You didn't know where everyone was. It was just you and him.

Burning Spice Cookie just stood before you, parashu slung over his shoulder as though this was just a regular encounter. He didn't move, didn't do anything more, just grinned down at your kneeled form.

"Oh, my little ember. Do not fret. This is all for the best. Soon, you'll see this was all for you."