LOGINShare
Chapter 64
Last Updated:
2025-01-02 05:37:50
Related chapters
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 65
The storm that was building on the horizon was hinted at by the mist that covered the dawn of the final fight. On the ridge above the valley where their fates would be determined, Zara stood. The weight of all the lives connected to their cause was bearing down on her chest. Kael stood next to her, his blade shining in the early morning light, a testament to his determination.Their forces gathered in tense quiet behind them. Working amid the ranks, Elara and Lyra provided last-minute tactics and a few encouraging whispers. With an intensity that defied his often sardonic manner, Doran, the mysterious guide who had turned into an odd comrade, was inspecting the perimeter."Do you believe we're prepared?" Zara's voice was scarcely audible above the growing wind when she questioned Kael.Kael's mouth clenched. "This is our one chance, prepared or not. They are dangerous because of their pride, even if they are weaker than they think.Zara nodded while holding onto her blade's hilt. She
Last Updated : 2025-01-02Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 66
The valley below was bathed in an amber glow from the early sun, but the warmth was illusory. Zara and her friends were standing on the mountain ridge, looking out at the expansive stronghold in the distance, when a chilly breeze blew through. They had come to this location—a fortress hewn into the rock, a seat of authority, the origin of the repressive powers that had been chasing them for months.Zara stated, "We've come too far to falter now," in a steady but tired voice. They had all suffered on the trek, but her will had not wavered.Kael stood beside her, pulling his armor's straps tighter. Zara, it's not about stumbling. It all comes down to being ready. Our lives will be on the line in this battle.Elara and Lyra looked at each other behind them. Elara's hands were lightly resting on her daggers as she looked around for any activity on the horizon. Lyra's mind was whirling with calculations and plans as she clutched a little, glowing sphere in her hands."If my readings are tr
Last Updated : 2025-01-03Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 67
The cavern under the wreckage of the fortress was another world. It extended into a vast space that glistened with an odd, unsettling light. The aroma of minerals and something more elusive, an energy that pulsed subtly in the back of the mind, filled the air. With her flame creating swirling shadows on the crystalline walls, Zara guided the group ahead. Kael, Elara, Lyra, and Doran trailed behind her, their senses sharpened, their feet cautious.As they proceeded, Lyra whispered, "This place doesn't feel right," her palm grazing the sharp crystals. "It’s almost as if it’s alive."Elara scanned the cavern with her keen eyes. "It's our only way forward, alive or dead. We are near the centre of this maze, whatever it may be.Kael, who was at the back, put a comforting hand on Lyra's shoulder. "Remain calm. We've encountered worse.Zara stopped when the trail ahead divided into three separate tunnels, each of which had a faint green, blue, or red glow. She looked around at the others. "T
Last Updated : 2025-01-03Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 68
Gold and crimson streaks painted the sky as the sun rose above the broken horizon. Gazing at the far-off ruins of the citadel, Zara stood on the hill with her hair blowing in the wind. Even if her resolution was burning hot inside, her breath created a mist in the chilly early air. The others in the group stirred behind her, exhausted but determined.With his heavy boots crushing the frost-dusted grass, Kael walked softly towards her. His voice was low and worried as he remarked, "You didn't sleep again.""How could I?" Zara answered, her voice tinged with resolve and fatigue. "They have more time to bolster their defences with every second we waste."Kael followed her eyes to the fortress and nodded. "Those walls hold the key," he stated. But using force alone won't get you in. The traps of the Shadowbound are difficult to escape.Zara's eyes were angry as she turned to face him. We have Lyra and Elara because of this. They have as sharp a mind as any razor.Elara and Lyra emerged, t
Last Updated : 2025-01-04Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 69
Anticipation permeated the air as Zara and her friends made their way through the thick woodland. The artefact appeared to pulse with an almost undetectable energy, its faint glow periodically seeping through the fabric, now securely fastened in a reinforced bag slung to Kael's back. Every individual in the group was acutely aware that invisible forces were following them at every turn.Elara stopped and gestured to the group with her hand. Her keen eyes searched the bush, and her ears listened for the smallest hint of movement. She replied softly, "They're following us."Kael's eyes narrowed as he gripped his sword more tightly. "How many?""Too many to fight directly," Lyra interrupted in a composed yet forceful tone. Since they had left the ruins, she had been examining the energy output of the artefact. "They will do whatever it takes to get the artefact back if its power is what they want.""So, what's the strategy?" Zara's voice was tense as she asked.Elara had a determined spa
Last Updated : 2025-01-04Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 70
The forest floor was painted in a rainbow of green and gold as the early sun broke through the thick canopy overhead. Elara was the first to awaken, her senses keenly aware of the silence surrounding their secret camp. A tangible reminder of the perils they had just barely avoided, the anxiety from the night before persisted in the air.Kael awoke close by, opening his eyes and reflexively clutching the hilt of his sword. "Is there anything out of the ordinary?" he said softly.Elara said, "No," but her voice was a little uncomfortable. However, something seems... strange. We ought to relocate shortly.The others started to wake up. Zara came out of her temporary shelter, her face as stern as usual. Lyra joined the group around the remains of their fire last, staring blearily. With a worried expression on his face and his eyes focused on the far horizon, Doran sat apart.Zara said, "We have to make a decision," speaking to everyone. Should we take the longer path around the marshes or
Last Updated : 2025-01-04Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 71
The wind's faint sound reverberated through the keep's ruined hallways. With the horizon illuminated by the unsettling radiance of far-off fires, Zara stood at the edge of the broken parapet. The quiet was misleading; beneath it throbbed a tumultuous storm that none of them could ignore.With his boots crunching quietly on the shattered stone, Kael joined her. "The scouts came back," he remarked quietly. "We underestimated the amount of time we have.""How much time?" Zara enquired, continuing to gaze off into space.Kael paused. "At most one day before they arrive."Zara let out a sharp breath and closed her eyes. They had been forced to this bleak stronghold, its defences hardly standing and its walls tumbling down. They were now surrounded by their unrelenting foe, who was getting more powerful with each battle."We can't confront them directly," Kael added. "Not in this place."Zara turned to him and said, "Then we force them to fight on our terms." There was a tremendous determin
Last Updated : 2025-01-05Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 72
The canyon's vast width was bathed in a soft golden tint as the first rays of dawn appeared. Zara stood at its edge, feeling a curious mixture of anticipation and fear. This location was identified on the map she was holding as the Vault of Eternity's entrance, where they would find the answers and face their greatest danger. The remainder of the troop gathered behind her, their hard resolve scarcely concealing their weariness.With his bulky boots crunching on the gravel, Kael walked over. His voice was low as he said, "It's quiet." "Too silent."Zara looked at the gaping abyss below and nodded. "We're going to venture into the unknown if the legends are accurate."Lyra joined them, carrying a slightly beeping device. "The seismic readings are... out of the ordinary. It's not natural, whatever it is down there."And you're not worried about that?" As she tightened her leather bracers, Elara asked in a sceptical tone.Lyra gave a shrug. It does, of course. However, we've gone too far
Last Updated : 2025-01-05
Latest chapter
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 118
Zara's heart was racing with a mix of fear and excitement as she entered the portal. A huge, strange landscape replaced the blinding brightness that had surrounded her. It was a place poised between realms, where the ground pulsed slightly, as though alive, and the sky glistened in shades of violet and gold, unlike anything she had ever seen.A quiet yet authoritative voice came out, "Welcome, Zara."A figure in flowing robes that appeared to have been woven from starlight stood in front of her when she turned. Even though the figure's face was hidden, she felt both comforted and uneasy by its overwhelming presence.Despite her thoughts racing, she asked in a firm voice, "Who are you?"The figure answered, "I am the Keeper of the Gateway." "Your world's equilibrium will be determined by the decisions you make here, but you have shown that you are resilient."ConvergenceMeanwhile, Kael and Elias stood at the brink of the abyss they had just barely escaped. Now, the creature that had a
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 117
Zara opened her eyes to a startling silence. She laid on a glassy, smooth surface that held her weight like solid ground but appeared to shimmer like liquid. There was a never-ending sea of whirling fog all around her, its dim light creating lengthy shadows on an unknowable horizon."Elias?" she exclaimed, her voice wavering. As though mocking her anxiety, it reverberated incessantly.No response.Her heart was racing. The flash of light and Kael's irate face were the last things she could recall. She was alone now, trapped in a universe that was both harsh and ethereal.A Voice in the MistZara moved forward hesitantly, her every step causing ripples to appear on the glass. As if in response, the mist coiled itself like a live creature around her legs."Where am I?" To herself, she whispered.A deep, resonant voice responded. "You are a Nexus child standing in the In-Between."Her eyes darted through the fog as she whirled around. "Who is there? Present yourself!A figure shrouded in
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 116
The only sound in the room was the low buzz of the crystal, its power muted but still reverberating through the atmosphere. Elias and Zara stood together, their hands clenched together, their breathing erratic. There was an unbreakable tension even if they had won.With an expression of knowing, the scarred man looked at them. You have stepped over a line that few people dare to cross. But keep in mind that there are frequently hidden costs associated with having power.With a hushed voice, Zara nodded. "We are prepared for everything that comes up next."However, as she spoke, the chamber's walls shook a little, perhaps mocking her determination. A chilly wind blew past, bringing with it a low, ominous chuckle.The Ignored FigureKeeping his hand on his sword's hilt, Elias watched the shadows for any indications of danger as they left the chamber. He mumbled, referring to the disfigured man in the lead, "I do not trust him."Zara's brow furrowed. He has so far aided us. Why would he
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 115
There was a tangible vibrancy in the subterranean cavern. In time with Zara's pendant's brightness, the enormous crystal in its core pulsed. The spooky atmosphere was alive with echoes of the past as shadows moved across the old engravings on the walls.As Zara gazed at the crystal, her chest constricted. What does "sacrifice" mean to you? What is it requesting from us?The man's damaged face softened, but there was no consolation in his hollow eyes. Nothing is free, yet the Nexus has unfathomable power. It requires an offering—a piece of yourself that you might never get back—in order to divulge its secrets.With his blade still in his grasp, Elias took a step forward. "You can not really expect us to do this without further information. What is required? Our existence? "Our souls?"The slight smile that formed on the man's lips did little to reduce the strain. "Not your lives. Not your souls. But the most important thing to you. You are the only one who can identify that.The Cautio
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 114
Silent and frightening, the ruins loomed before Zara and Elias. Their hearts appeared to beat in time with the dim brightness of the Nexus. Zara gripped her pendant tightly, its warmth providing a tiny reprieve from the night's intense chill."Have you heard that?" Zara hardly raised her voice above a whisper.Elias stopped and leaned his head slightly to listen, catching the distant sound of footsteps and the gentle rustling of leaves. His palm tightening around his sword's hilt, he whispered, "We are not alone."The Quiet HunterThey proceeded slowly, each step deliberate, each sound amplified in the quiet. Once powerful and majestic, the ruins now loomed like skeleton remains, their shadows shifting in the little moonlight.The quiet was broken by a gentle laugh that made Zara shiver.Her voice was shaking as she said, "Did you hear that?"Elias gave a nod. "Remain near."Abruptly, a silhouette arose from the darkness. A man with a hood covering his face, dressed in frayed robes. L
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 113
The ground trembled under their boots as the hideous monster bellowed. Its body was a whirlpool of light and shadow, moving and writhing as if it were living. With the same power as the Nexus, its eyes focused on Zara and Elias.With his sword wavering slightly in his palm, Elias pulled it out. "Zara, follow me!"Zara's heart was racing as she gripped the book. "No, Elias. We are unable to run. The Nexus is connected to this thing. Everything will be destroyed if we do not stop it right away.The animal growled, its enormous claws cutting through the air as it moved forward.An Intense BattleWith each step, Elias's sword glowed brighter as he charged. His blade just made it through the whirling swarm of shadows as he stabbed at the beast's leg. He flew into a neighboring wall as the beast swung at him."Elias!" Zara let out a scream.She rushed to him and assisted him in standing up. He shook her off despite the blood dripping from a cut on his forehead. "I am all right. However, thi
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 112
The mysterious appearance hovered over Zara and Elias, causing the room to quiver. Its voice echoed with an otherworldly force, booming."I am the Keeper of Secrets, the defender of the truth in the Nexus. Its wisdom can only be claimed by the deserving.With his sword gleaming dimly in the low light, Elias took a step forward. "We wish to avoid hurting you. We are here to provide answers.The Keeper's icy, piercing laugh reverberated around the room. "Mortal, answers have a cost. Show your determination, or let the secrets you seek overwhelm you.The ProblemThe shadows surrounding the Keeper's uplifted arm twisted into enormous tentacles that swung out at them. Elias escaped the initial blow, just avoiding a sharp fragment of rock that splintered where he had been standing."Remain back, Zara!" he yelled.Zara, however, felt the pendant draw her closer, its light becoming brighter with each stride. "No, Elias. I also have to deal with this.The Keeper's tendrils moved to obstruct he
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 111
The trip to the Sanctum was exhausting and time-consuming. Unspoken secrets seemed to be alive in the woodland surrounding Zara and Elias. Zara gripped the pendant harder with each tree rustle, its dim illumination her only solace amid the encroaching darkness.With his blade out, Elias strode forward. His jaw was clenched in concern, and he was silent."What are you thinking about?" Zara asked quietly.He did not turn around. "The animal. What happened to it if it was ever human? More significantly, is it possible that we will experience that?The idea made Zara shudder. "I am not sure. But I am not going to give up just yet.At last, Elias's face softened as he looked at her. "Zara, I will not allow anything to happen to you. Regardless.She gave a small smile. "Remember, we defend one another?"The Initial IndicationThey arrived at a clearing after several hours. A huge stone archway, adorned with antiquated sculptures that gleamed dimly in the moonlight, stood in the middle.Elia
Echoes in the Ashes Chapter 110
Zara’s heart pounded as the massive figure rose from the valley below. Its shape was unclear, a mix of shadows and shifting darkness, but its glowing eyes locked onto her. The pendant around her neck felt heavy, like it was pulling her toward the creature.“Elias,” she whispered, clutching the pendant. “What is that?”Elias didn’t answer right away. His sword was drawn, his face pale. Finally, he said, “That’s what they were warning us about. Something the Order couldn’t control.”The creature’s voice rumbled like thunder. “You dare to bring the Nexus here? Do you know what you have done?”Zara stepped back, her hands trembling. “I-I don’t even know what the Nexus is!”The creature let out a deep, echoing laugh. “Then you are more foolish than I thought.”A Sudden AttackWithout warning, the creature raised one of its massive arms. A wave of shadow surged toward them like a tidal wave.“Run!” Elias shouted, grabbing Zara’s arm.They barely dodged the attack as the shadows slammed into
