Chapter 21: Fractured Bonds

The journey through the ruins unearthed more than just memories of the past—it sowed seeds of doubt between Ithan and Lyra. The visions from the Memory Spire lingered in Ithan’s mind, raising questions he couldn’t ignore.

As they set up camp that night, Ithan confronted Lyra.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the other Sigil bearer? The one who failed?” His voice was steady, but anger simmered beneath the surface.

Lyra turned to face him, her expression as calm and unreadable as always. “Because it doesn’t change your task, Ithan. The Hollow King must be stopped.”

“It changes everything!” Ithan snapped. “If he was stronger than me and still fell, what chance do I have? Or were you planning to watch me die too?”

For the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed Lyra’s face—pain, quickly masked. She didn’t respond, turning back to the fire.

The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating. Ithan clenched his fists, his thoughts spiraling. Was Lyra truly on his side? Or was she hiding something even more dangerous?

Despite his doubts, Ithan couldn’t deny her importance in his training. If he was going to stand against the Hollow King, he needed her guidance. But trust? That was a fragile thing now.

As the night deepened, Ithan sat alone, staring at the Sigil in his hand. The resonance he felt earlier seemed stronger now, almost like a heartbeat. He didn’t know if it was his own or something deeper.

And in the shadows, unseen by both, a figure watched them—a presence neither had sensed but one that carried a chilling familiarity.

The Hollow King’s influence was closer than ever.