Whispers in the Archives

The castle library was a labyrinth of dusty corridors and endless shelves. Ancient tomes lay forgotten, covered in dust and cobwebs. The torches flickered, casting unsettling shadows across the walls.
Cicilia walked ahead, lantern in hand. —These archives were built long before my reign. Here lies forbidden knowledge, texts even kings feared to consult.
Rei dragged his feet, annoyed. —Great. So we’re sure to find a book that says: “To separate two souls, follow the instructions on the next page.”
Nara snorted sarcastically. —Oh, shut up. Would you rather keep fighting without knowing anything?
Aria stayed close to me, her hand seeking mine in every dark corner. Her eyes reflected a fear she tried to hide, but I could feel it.
—Calm down —I whispered. —We’ll find it.
She nodded weakly, though her racing pulse betrayed her unease.

Lysbeth inspected the shelves with military patience. —Most of these texts are about genealogies and records of past wars. Nothing useful.
Serion stepped forward, examining the symbols carved into the walls. —Look for the Veil emblem. The First Order’s records were always marked with that insignia.
We found it carved in a corner of the archive, a hidden door behind a collapsed bookshelf. With effort, Rei and I moved the remnants of wood and stone, revealing a narrow passage.
A cold air emanated from within, accompanied by a barely audible whisper.
—I don’t like this —muttered Nara, crossing her arms.
—Neither do I —I replied—, but we have no choice.

The passage led us to an underground chamber, illuminated by blue crystals that pulsed like hearts. In the center, a pedestal held a chained book covered in glowing symbols.
Serion approached reverently. —The Codex of the Veiled. I never thought I’d see it again.
Cicilia squinted. —What does it contain?
—The truth the gods hid even from kings —he answered. —If there’s a way to break Aria and Kiseki’s bond, it’s here.
He placed his hand on the chains. The light from his sword reacted, undoing the seal. The book opened with a groan, as if awakening from a long slumber.

The pages were written in an ancient language, but Serion read fluently.
—“Two fragments of a soul cannot coexist without conflict. If one flourishes, the other withers. If both resist, the bearer of the veil will awaken.”
The echo within me vibrated, delighted. “Oh, so now they know my song. Two halves that struggle… and I waiting between them. Perfect.”
Aria clutched my arm. —Kaoru…
Serion turned the page. —“Breaking the bond requires a sacrifice. Blood of the reflection, and will of the bearer.”
I froze. —Sacrifice? What exactly does that mean?
He closed the book with a sharp thud. —There’s no way out without a price.
Aria stepped back, trembling. —No… there has to be another way.
—Perhaps —said Lysbeth, placing herself between Serion and Aria—. But we’re not deciding anything based solely on the words of fanatics.
Nara snorted. —Well said. Besides, since when do we obey what gods say?

The silence shattered with a creak from the ceiling. Dust cascaded down, and the walls trembled.
—They found us! —shouted Rei, drawing his sword.
A crack opened, and from it emerged shadow creatures that crawled like spiders, their red eyes glowing in the dim light.
Aria held my hand, tears in her eyes. —Kaoru… promise me something.
—Anything.
—That you won’t let them sacrifice me.
I swallowed hard, raising the spear. —I won’t. I swear.
The echo mocked inside me, in a nearly playful tone. “A beautiful vow. But vows break with time.”
I ignored it. There was only space for battle.
The entire chamber erupted in screams and steel, and the truth written in the Codex burned in my mind like a wound impossible to ignore.