Chapter 7: Whispers of Dread

Back in the city’s central square, the tension was almost tangible as people tried to shake off the lingering effects of the echo’s influence. Ithan watched their confused faces as they dispersed, but a gnawing feeling of unease stayed with him. He could sense something stirring within the Veil, something darker and more foreboding.

Kaelan tapped his shoulder, breaking his focus. “Let’s regroup. We need to plan our next move.”

They walked through the crowded streets back to Raelle’s hideout. Seraphine kept glancing over her shoulder, her eyes narrowing as though she could see what lurked behind the veil of reality. Ithan could feel the Sigil pulsing within him, resonating with the Veil, and the whispers were getting louder—ancient voices speaking of fear, sacrifice, and despair.

As they entered the dimly lit hideout, Raelle was waiting with a map spread out on the table. “The echoes are appearing closer together and with greater frequency. This map marks each location, and they’re all forming a pattern—a spiral leading inward.”

Ithan studied the map, his fingers tracing the spiral. “Leading to… the heart of the city.”

Raelle nodded grimly. “The Hollow King’s power is strengthening. He’s testing the boundaries, trying to break through the Veil.”

Kaelan crossed his arms, his jaw tense. “We’re running out of time. If he breaches the Veil completely, he’ll consume our world as he did with the others.”

Seraphine met Ithan’s gaze, her eyes serious. “We need to strengthen your control over the Sigil, Ithan. Only by mastering it can you face what’s to come.”

Ithan hesitated, feeling the weight of their words. The Sigil was his weapon, but it was also an unknown force that had its own will—a will that was connected to the Veil and, perhaps, to the Hollow King himself.

“I’m ready,” he said, his voice steady despite his doubts. “Tell me what I need to do.”

The training that followed was unlike anything Ithan had experienced before. Seraphine led him to an abandoned alley where the Veil was thinnest. Shadows clung to the walls, and the air was thick with an otherworldly presence.

“Close your eyes,” Seraphine instructed. “Feel the Sigil’s energy, but don’t let it consume you. It’s a river; let it flow without being swept away.”

Ithan obeyed, reaching inward and connecting with the Sigil. Instantly, a rush of energy surged through him, powerful and raw, like a tempest raging within. He could feel the Veil pulsing, calling to him, tempting him with its dark allure.

Suddenly, images filled his mind—visions of desolate worlds, empty landscapes under a blood-red sky. He could see the Hollow King’s shadows creeping over cities, consuming everything in their path.

“Don’t give in to the fear,” Seraphine’s voice echoed in his mind. “Hold steady. Anchor yourself.”

The visions intensified, each one more terrifying than the last. He saw himself standing alone against the Hollow King, his friends and allies fallen, the city in ruins. A wave of despair washed over him, the weight of his responsibility pressing down like a crushing tide.

But then, a glimmer of light cut through the darkness. It was his own will, his resolve to protect the city and those he cared about. He seized it, using it as a shield against the Hollow King’s influence.

The visions faded, and he opened his eyes, breathless but stronger.

Seraphine smiled, a rare glint of pride in her eyes. “You did well. The Hollow King feeds on fear and doubt, but you’ve proven that your will is stronger.”

Kaelan clapped him on the back. “Not bad for a beginner.”

Ithan managed a smile, though he still felt the weight of what he had seen. The Hollow King was no ordinary enemy, and the journey ahead would test him beyond anything he had ever faced.

As they walked back to the hideout, a shadow crossed their path—a man wrapped in dark robes, his face obscured. He stopped, turning to face them, and Ithan felt an icy chill as the man’s gaze settled on him.

“Ithan, bearer of the Sigil,” the man said, his voice like a hiss. “The Hollow King knows of your existence. He watches… and he waits.”

Kaelan stepped forward, weapon drawn. “Who are you?”

The man’s mouth twisted into a cruel smile. “I am a servant of the King. And I bring a message: resist, and all you love will perish.”

Before they could react, the man vanished into the shadows, leaving only the echo of his threat.

Seraphine’s face was pale. “If the Hollow King is sending his agents directly, it means he’s closer than we feared.”

Ithan clenched his fists, the Sigil throbbing with a newfound resolve. “Then let him watch. I won’t stop fighting, no matter what he sends.”