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Chapter 103
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2025-01-11 04:50:19Related chapters
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 1
The Empire's AshesThe wind, a continual reminder of the fall of the empire, murmured through the ruins. With her leather-clad fingers digging amid the ruins of a once-immensity palace, Zara knelt down. In the early morning light, the tall, hollow and cracked marble columns loomed above her, creating long, skeletal shadows. The smell of smoke, of something long burned and forgotten, filled the air. Even though she had been scrounging here for days, the scene remained the same: rusted weaponry, shattered statues, and the remains of a grandeur that had long since lost its significance.The silence and emptiness that occupied the spaces where life had flourished should have become second nature to her by now. However, every day seemed brand-new, and every rubble pile presented a fresh challenge. Zara detested it. despised the memories they evoked, hated the ruins. The reason she was here, however, was to ensure her survival
Last Updated : 2024-12-15Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 2
Under the DustWith each step Zara made, the weight of Kael's body appeared to increase. She had no idea how long he could stay. His once-proud stance sagged like a defeated man, his skin was pale, and his breath was ragged. Zara was unable to distinguish between the flames and the gleam of hope or desperation that yet lingered in his eyes. But he was dangerous because of it. Zara was aware that anyone who still had a cause to defend should not be trusted.They made their way through the wreckage, sliding past burned remains of once-grand buildings and crumbling walls. Leading the route was Zara, who kept her eyes on the horizon for any movement. With the exception of the occasional scavenger and the silent presence of the Empire's followers, who continued to stalk the ash-covered streets, this area of the city was essentially deserted. However, Zara hadn't seen anyone along this area in a long time. The quiet was b
Last Updated : 2024-12-15Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 3
The Undiscovered WayOnly the odd creak of wood or the rustle of wind against the deteriorating structures could break the stillness of the destroyed marketplace. Zara couldn't get rid of the sense of urgency that was eating away at her, even if the atmosphere was heavy with the weight of the past. They had no time to relax. Not at all.In actuality, she was unsure of her next course of action. She had intended to go to the Imperial archives, where the weapon was supposedly kept, but the ruins were much more perilous than this location. There seemed to be darkness around every step taken in that direction. However, they were propelled ahead by the allure of something hidden beneath the ashes—the promise of power.From his place on the floor, Kael murmured in a raspy voice as he stirred behind her. "We must get out of here before it becomes dark. The risk increases with the length of time we are here.Zara looked at hi
Last Updated : 2024-12-15Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 4
Memory's DepthsAs they sank more into the forgotten depths under the destroyed Empire, the darkness engulfed them. The sound grew louder in the little hallway as Zara's every foot reverberated against the chilly stone walls. The still air pressed down on her chest, making her breathe in quick, shallow gasps. The dim glow from the phosphorescent stone walls was the tunnel's only source of light, creating strange shadows that moved and flickered with every shift.With each step, the weight of his injury became more noticeable as Kael walked beside her at a slower pace. Zara sensed him at her side, his steady, if forced, breathing a continual reminder of their mutual danger. At first, she had believed he was unbeatable—someone who could guide her to safety, someone who could withstand the last of the Empire. However, the truth of their predicament was beginning to set in as they delved farther into the shadowy centr
Last Updated : 2024-12-15Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 5
The Coming of AgeZara felt a shock of fear run through her chest as the ground shook beneath her feet. She hardly had time to respond when the blazing crystal in Kael's hands blazed brighter, almost blinding her, and a deep, deafening rumble echoed through the vault's walls. Zara lifted her arm to protect her eyes from the quick flash of brightness, which was too much to handle."What's going on?" She yelled, but the loud noise drowned out her words. She could sense the floor beneath her trembling, as if the earth itself were objecting to their presence.The light appeared to pulse more quickly than ever before, and Kael's face was twisted in concentration as his hold on the crystal tightened. "I'm not sure, but we must relocate!"He dragged her to the closest wall, where she could hide in the shade of a big stone pillar. The walls of the vault creaked and cracked, as though the old building were struggling to s
Last Updated : 2024-12-16Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 6
The Coming of AgeThe buzz of old power filled the air, resonating through Zara's bones. She felt feelings of horror crawl up her spine as the crystal in her hand pulsed with ferocity. Something had reacted when she touched it.She hesitated for a second, her fingers still pressing the cool, smooth surface. The room seemed to be alive, as if it were breathing and awaiting the next action from someone or something.The entire enormous space was filled with the expanding light from the crystal. It created unsettling shadows on the walls, giving the mysterious symbols a dancing appearance as they changed in time with the energy. Zara's heart pounded. She had no idea what to anticipate, but this? She had never anticipated anything like this.She heard Kael stirring behind her. He was shifting, moaning, and putting his hand up to his head when she turned around. Her chest swelled with relief. They were running out of t
Last Updated : 2024-12-16Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 7
The Fury of the SentinelThe cavern echoed with the Sentinel's footsteps, each one laden with the weight of age-old might. The ground shook beneath Zara's feet, as though the earth itself were yielding to the creature's will, and she could feel it in her bones. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps, and her pulse thumped in her ears.Not much had ever scared her. She had, after all, fought against the perils of this broken planet, scavenged among ruins, and survived the fall of an empire. But the horror clutched at her, a deep, gnawing emotion that threatened to suffocate her, as she stood before the Sentinel, an old, living weapon.She was dragged back towards the cavern's shadows by Kael's firm grip on her arm. "Zara, get moving!" he yelled, his voice full of desperation.She didn't require two reminders. They fled into the cave's darkness, Kael at the forefront, avoiding the dazzling light that the Sentinel's presen
Last Updated : 2024-12-16Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 8
A Precarious FlightThe stifling darkness of the cavern they had fled was a sharp contrast to the pale light of the outside world. Zara's lungs stung from the crisp night air as she staggered out into the open and gasped. The feeble stars in the sky above were obscured by the ash cloud that pervaded the atmosphere.Kael was not far behind, helping her to balance herself while wearing a sombre expression. His voice was low yet forceful as he enquired, "Are you okay?"Zara nodded, but it felt like her body was about to give out. The crystal was still in her grasp, its warmth throbbing slightly. Despite the fact that her hands were shaking, she said, "I'm fine."Kael's jaw tensed as he looked back towards the cave entrance. "That thing is still alive, but we bought ourselves some time." It will pursue us.Zara answered in a hollow voice, "I know." The image of the Sentinel's eyes, flashing red with an unusual, alm
Last Updated : 2024-12-17
Latest chapter
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 103
As the surviving members of the resistance gathered in the shadow of the crumbling fortress, the globe appeared to hold its breath. Kael's gaze swept across the horizon as his thoughts raced through several ways to deal with the impending danger. As though the universe itself had foreseen the upcoming conflict, the air was charged with tension and unsaid terror.Zara was standing next to him, a comforting yet demanding presence. Her steadfast resolve stoked a fire inside him, but the storm building in her eyes served as a reminder that their relationship was as much about a common goal as it was about unsaid conflicts. The burden of their decisions, sacrifices, and the future they aimed to reconstruct rested between them.Zara's voice was a mix of resolution and panic as she stated, "We're running out of time." By daybreak, the Shadow Warden's army will arrive. There won't be another chance if we don't take action right away.With his palm on his blade's hilt, Kael nodded. The subtle
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 102
Tension permeated the vault as Zara held the antiquated relic closer to her chest. Long shadows were created on the walls by its unearthly glow as it pulsed weakly. Kael stood close by, his sword out, watching for anything in the darkened room. Except for the occasional trickle of water resonating from invisible cracks, the silence was deafening."We're running out of time," Zara muttered, her voice shaking. "The alignment only lasts until the next full moon," the symbols stated.Kael's mouth clenched. And we're not by ourselves here. I sense it.A deep snarl echoed from the shadows. Their bodies tensed, they both looked towards the sound. A thing they had never seen before emerged from the darkness. Like smoke, its shape changed, hardening and then dissolving. The air cooled, and eyes like flaming coals stared at them."What is that?" Zara's voice was almost heard as she asked.Kael remained silent. With the blade of his sword shining dimly in the light from the artefact, he raised i
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 101
A clamour of murmurs that seemed to come from the stones themselves were carried by the wind as it howled over the barren landscape of the old ruins. Zara and Kael stood together, staring at the throbbing ball of light that hung in the middle of the room. It was the Nexus, the relic they had been searching for so long, the secret to solving the puzzles of their entwined fates.However, the ground rocked as Kael extended his hand. The murmurs became louder, more urgent, and the light from the Nexus flickered wildly. Zara's voice was tight with urgency as she took hold of Kael's arm. "There is a problem. This was not intended to occur.Kael was about to reply when someone stepped out of the darkness. In the gloomy light, the stranger's flowing black robe glistened. Her face was hidden behind a cowl, revealing only her brilliant silver eyes that glowed dimly in the shadows. As the apparition talked in a voice that was a terrifying blend of familiarity and menace, the tension in the air i
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 100
Zara and Kael stepped out of the shadows, their features etched with resolve, and the cavern lay in eerie silence. Splintered weaponry, smouldering debris, and the lingering echoes of the carnage that had nearly engulfed them were all visible behind them. Nevertheless, a sense of resolution was evident despite the debris. The worst was behind them, but the last test was still to come.Kael touched Zara's shoulder in a comforting manner. With a steady yet worried tone, he questioned, "Are you ready?"Zara gave a nod. "We can't stop now; we've come too far. This is our time, if the prophecy is accurate.The Prism of Unity, the ancient artefact they had been searching for the entire time, was located in the centre of the cavern. It seemed alive, pulsing with the energy of innumerable generations, encased in a swirling tornado of light and shadow. However, the air became denser as they approached, brimming with an almost intolerable tension."What could be a trap?" With his hand automatic
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 99
The kingdom was eerily silent when the dawn broke. Sunrise's once-bright colours appeared subdued, as if the natural world was holding its breath. Zara's boots clicked on the stone floor as she paced the war room's length. Across the centre table were blueprints, maps, and hurriedly scrawled notes. Kael, sitting close by, frowned in concern as he observed her motions.The silence was broken by Kael's statement, "You're wearing yourself thin." "We need you sharp for what lies ahead."Zara hesitated, her hands on a chair's back. "With our adversaries already inside our gates, how can I remain observant? They get deeper the longer we wait.Kael got up and walked up to her. "Zara, you've brought us this far. Have faith that we can complete the task at hand. We now have the advantage thanks to our partnership with the mountain tribes and the arcanists."If they honour their commitments," Zara said to herself. A series of eventualities, each more awful than the previous, rushed through her
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 98
The chilly wind of the high cliffs nipped at Zara's skin as she stood on the citadel's balcony, her heart pounding. The kingdom lay below, lit by the dim radiance of lamps that resembled a constellation reflecting the stars above. Even so, the night's beauty was insufficient to conceal the storm that was building within of her.His final words to her were vague but flavoured with resolve: "Trust the bond, Zara." Kael had disappeared two nights prior. It will direct us both. With each shared struggle and victory, the bond—a mystical connection created during their dangerous journey—had gotten stronger. It was her only hope of finding him now.She closed her eyes and gripped the amulet Kael had given her, its dim light throbbing with warmth.Zara, pay attention. Experience the connection.At first, the feeling was subtle, like a murmur in the recesses of her consciousness. And then a rush of heat filled her senses, accompanied by brief visions—a blacked-out forest, a secret cavern, a si
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 97
With his heart racing and the events of the last few days replaying in his head, Kael paced the edge of the cliff with a view of the raging ocean below. The encounter with the Council had not proceeded as expected. No one could have predicted the events that had been triggered by Zara's revelation—her ancestry entwined with the ancient forces that everyone had underestimated. He understood that she had the key, and they were both aware of its significance.His thoughts were disrupted by the sound of footsteps. He looked over to see Zara coming out of the woods, her face showing both exhaustion and resolve. The faint illumination coming from inside the little satchel she carried hinted at the artefact they had risked all to get.With a mixture of relief and trepidation in his voice, Kael remarked, "You found it."Despite the tension in the air, Zara's voice remained steady as she said, "It wasn't easy." The Shadow Keepers didn't let up. They are aware of our closeness, Kael. Until they
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 96
The sky was painted in crimson and orange hues as the morning light blazed fiercely over the horizon. The gloom that had engulfed Kael and Zara's lives in the previous weeks stood in stark contrast to now. Rumours of revolt spread like wildfire, stirring the camp with cautious confidence. There was optimism for the first time in months, a glimmer that the Dominion's crushing hold may be broken.Kael was standing close to the main tent, fiddling with his leather armor's strap. His face was scarred by the demands of leadership, but his determination had only gotten stronger. Zara walked towards him with a determined yet worried look on her face. She was right in the middle of the looming battle in her new position as strategist.She gave him a paper and declared, "The scouts have returned." The convoy route has been verified. Although it's closely guarded, this is our opportunity to attack.Kael studied the map and unfolded the scroll. Its disruption may seriously impair the Dominion's
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 95
The turmoil that was building inside Kael and Zara's emotions was reflected in the storm outside. Every shadow appeared to bear the weight of their assailants as the rain battered the safehouse's windows, and every floorboard squeak suggested a potential betrayal. The events at the cathedral had permanently changed the two's path, even though they had been avoiding detection for days.Kael was sitting at the little wooden table, carefully polishing his pistol's barrel. The thoughts rushing through his head were a sharp contrast to the silent accuracy of his actions. Zara was leaning against the wall across the room, her arms around her legs, staring at the flickering candlelight with a blank expression. Her normally bright eyes had become lifeless, burdened by fatigue and something more fundamental, a deep grief that Kael could sense but could not identify.Kael broke the silence by saying, "We need a plan." He spoke steadily, yet with a hint of desperation. "They're getting closer. I
