Chapter 14: The Rising Storm

After the attack, Ithan and Lyra returned to the Network’s underground stronghold, bruised and exhausted. Though they’d successfully defended against the Hollow King’s forces, the battle had left a dark shadow hanging over them all. The Network members moved in silence, their once-confident faces marked by fear and exhaustion.

Ithan was disturbed by the Hollow King’s appearance on the ridge, the silent threat that radiated from him. As they settled into a quiet room, Lyra watched him, her silver eyes reflecting the tension in the air.

“You felt it, didn’t you?” she asked quietly. “The Hollow King’s power… it’s unlike anything else.”

Ithan nodded. “It was like staring into darkness itself. But it’s not just his power I’m worried about.”

He looked at Lyra, a hint of concern in his gaze. “You’re connected to him somehow, aren’t you? There’s something you’re not telling me.”

Lyra’s expression faltered for a moment, but then she took a steadying breath. “Yes. My family… we’re bound to the Hollow King’s line. I grew up learning forbidden magic, magic my family once wielded in his name. But I broke away—I swore I’d use my powers to stop him, not help him.”

Ithan’s heart sank. It was as if the ground beneath him shifted, but he steadied himself. “So you’re here to end that legacy.”

“Exactly,” Lyra whispered. “I can’t undo what my family did. But I can change how it ends.”

As they spoke, a member of the Network burst into the room, his face pale with urgency.

“Ithan, Lyra! There’s been word—your family’s estate has been targeted by the Hollow King’s minions. They’re trying to draw you out!”

Ithan’s blood turned cold. “No… They’re going after my family.”

Lyra reached out, grasping his arm. “We’ll go together. You’ve trained hard, and now it’s time to face them head-on. I won’t let them touch your family.”

Ithan steeled himself, a newfound resolve hardening in his gaze. “Then let’s make sure they regret coming for us.”