Chapter 26: Shadows of Betrayal

The journey through the ruins was eerily quiet, the air heavy with tension. Lyra led the way, her movements precise, but Ithan couldn’t shake the unease creeping into his thoughts. The revelations about his family and the Hollow King’s role in their disappearance had left scars deeper than he cared to admit.

The path twisted sharply into a narrow passage. Ancient carvings lined the walls, depicting a tale of unity shattered by greed and power. Lyra traced her fingers along the etchings, her expression somber.

“This place,” she murmured, “was once a sanctuary. A place where the Sigil’s power was revered. Now, it’s just a tomb for the mistakes of the past.”

Ithan didn’t respond, his mind preoccupied. He wasn’t just fighting a war against the Hollow King—he was fighting doubts about everyone around him.

As they stepped into an open chamber, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Erza.

“I was wondering when you’d catch up,” she said, her voice smooth but edged with malice.

“Erza,” Ithan said, his tone cautious. “Why are you here?”

Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “I could ask you the same. But I suppose it doesn’t matter now.”

Lyra’s hand tensed on her weapon, her instincts screaming danger. “Step back, Ithan. She’s not here to help.”

“Help?” Erza echoed, laughing. “Oh, Lyra. You always were good at seeing the obvious. But I have no quarrel with you—yet.”

“What do you want?” Ithan asked, the Sigil humming faintly in his grasp.

Erza tilted her head. “The same thing as you. The power to reshape this world. The only difference is that I know what I’m willing to sacrifice to get it.”

Her words were like poison, sinking into Ithan’s thoughts. “And what are you saying I’m not willing to sacrifice?”

Erza stepped closer, her gaze piercing. “Your family. Your morals. Your trust in people who don’t deserve it.” She glanced at Lyra pointedly.

“That’s enough,” Lyra snapped, stepping in front of Ithan. “If you want to fight, fight me.”

Erza smirked. “Always the martyr. But I don’t need to waste my time on you. I just wanted to remind dear Ithan that trust can be a dangerous thing.”

Before either of them could react, Erza vanished into the shadows, her laughter echoing behind her.

Ithan clenched his fists, his emotions boiling. “She knows something about my family. Something she’s not telling us.”

Lyra placed a hand on his shoulder, but he shrugged it off. “We’ll deal with her later,” she said firmly. “Right now, our focus has to be on reaching the Hollow King.”

But as they moved forward, Ithan couldn’t shake the feeling that Erza’s words were more than just a taunt. They were a warning.