“The Last Flame” Modern Retelling

1. The Fire Within

Emily Cruz had always felt out of place in the tiny mountain town of Red Hollow. Tourists came for the snowy peaks and mysterious “dragon legends” on postcards, but to her, it was just home. Her mom, Sandra, was the local spiritual guide—half herbalist, half storyteller—who ran a crystal shop and performed Solstice rituals on Instagram Live.

People thought she was quirky. Emily knew better.

Because the dreams were getting stronger.

She saw wings in the clouds. Heard voices in old stone. And every time she looked in the mirror lately, her eyes shimmered gold.

“Something’s coming,” Sandra told her, one night after lighting a circle of candles. “The myths are waking up. And they’re coming for you.”