Chapter 4: Descent into Shadows

The air grew colder as Ithan descended into the lower districts, following Kaelan’s directions and guided by an almost magnetic pull in his chest—the Sigil’s energy. The once-bustling streets were eerily quiet, shrouded in an unnatural fog that blurred the buildings and dimmed the streetlights.

“This is it,” Ithan muttered, glancing at Kaelan, who remained a steady presence by his side. “The echo Raelle mentioned. It’s close.”

Kaelan nodded, his gaze fixed ahead. “Stay alert. The Hollow King’s presence distorts reality. Nothing here can be trusted.”

A faint rustling echoed from the alley to their left. Ithan tensed, hand instinctively moving toward his weapon, though he doubted it would do much against whatever shadowy force lay ahead.

Out of the mist, a figure emerged—a young woman with hollow eyes and a pale face, her expression vacant. She staggered forward, her gaze locked onto Ithan.

“Help me,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, like wind through cracked glass. “It’s… watching.”

Ithan took a cautious step forward, but Kaelan’s hand shot out, stopping him. “She’s already been touched by the Hollow King. She’s a distortion—a mere fragment.”

The woman’s form flickered, like an image on a broken screen, shifting between human and something darker, shadowed, twisted. Her eyes widened as she began to dissolve, her mouth open in a silent scream.

Ithan’s chest tightened. “How do we fight something like this?”

Kaelan’s expression darkened. “With the Sigil’s power. Focus on it—let it guide you.”

Taking a deep breath, Ithan closed his eyes, reaching inward to the Sigil. He could feel it, a pulsing energy, wild and unbridled, like a storm contained within him. He focused, feeling the power extend outward, sensing the distortions rippling through the fog.

When he opened his eyes, his vision had changed—he could see the echoes, dark trails of energy twisting around him, leading deeper into the alley. Shadows flickered at the edges of his vision, like the Hollow King’s touch spreading across the district.

“I can see them,” he whispered, awed and horrified. “The echoes… they’re everywhere.”

Kaelan’s face showed a faint hint of approval. “Good. You’re starting to connect with the Veil.”

Without another word, Ithan advanced, following the dark trails deeper into the maze of alleys. The shadows seemed to thicken around him, pressing close, oppressive and heavy.

Suddenly, a twisted, nightmarish figure lunged out from the fog—a creature made of shadows, its limbs elongated and distorted, its eyes glowing with an unnatural light. It screeched, its voice a haunting blend of rage and agony.

Instinct took over. Ithan raised his hand, channeling the Sigil’s power, feeling it surge through him like lightning. A burst of light erupted from his palm, striking the creature and tearing it apart in a flash of energy.

The creature disintegrated, leaving behind only a wisp of darkness that dissolved into the air. Ithan stared at his hand, the lingering energy still humming in his veins.

“You did well,” Kaelan said quietly. “But this is only the beginning.”

Ithan’s breath came in gasps, the weight of what he’d just done settling over him. “These things… they’re just fragments of the Hollow King’s power?”

Kaelan nodded. “Fragments, yes. But each one strengthens his connection to our world. Every distortion we destroy weakens him, keeps the Veil intact.”

Ithan clenched his fist, determination hardening in his eyes. “Then we’ll stop every last one.”

Kaelan allowed himself a small smile. “That’s the spirit. But remember, this is a war of endurance. The Hollow King will test you, break you if he can. Keep the Sigil close—it’s your only protection.”

The fog began to lift slightly, the echoes dissipating, but Ithan knew this battle was far from over. As they made their way back to the surface, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, a fire kindling within him.

The Hollow King had left his mark on this city, but Ithan was ready to fight. He would master the Sigil, face the shadows, and protect this world—no matter the cost.