All Chapters of Echoes in the Ashes: Chapter 101 - Chapter 110

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

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

Kael and Zara found themselves in a world they had never experienced before as the Nexus engulfed them. Their souls resonated with the almost sentient rhythm of the swirling colours and patterns all around them. They appeared to have entered a location where time and space met, the very pulse of life itself.The air seemed heavy with invisible energy, and every step forward was like wading through molasses. Kael anchored them both by maintaining a firm hold on Zara's hand. In spite of the confusing environment, he muttered, "Remain near. This location is attempting to tear us apart.Zara's lips formed a narrow line as she nodded. She sensed it, too—a faint pull, like if invisible hands were attempting to pull her away from Kael. However, it was an emotional experience as well as a physical one. Unbidden memories came to mind: times of uncertainty, pain, and dread, all of which threatened to weaken her resolve.The fluctuating patterns around them started to come together into shapes a

With each stride Zara took, the woodland appeared to release a breath. The obelisk behind her pulsed quietly, illuminating the route she now walked with a warm, unearthly radiance. Even if she was by herself, the energy in her veins served as a reminder that she bore Kael's lasting legacy in addition to the Nexus's strength.The sounds of life returned as she ventured farther into the revitalised forest: the distant buzz of a stream, the rustle of leaves, and the chirping of birds. But beneath the colourful exterior, Zara felt uneasy. The world itself seemed to be holding its breath in anticipation of something.In the Clearing, a StrangerZara arrived at a spacious area after walking for hours. A tiny, worn cottage stood in the middle of it, encircled by a ring of blue flowers that appeared to glimmer dimly in the last of the sunlight. The air smelt like herbs, and smoke curled from the chimney.Zara stepped forward cautiously, her hand on Kael's knife hilt. Long ago, she had discove

Zara's heart pounded despite the silence of the ruins. Elias and she had just managed to get out of the Order's stronghold. On the shattered stone table between them, the stolen file now lay open, its contents leaking out in fragments.Elias gestured at a map. "This is where the Archon is located."Zara bent over. "What is it? A city? A secret base?Elias gave a headshake. It's a temple. One that is older than any we have seen. It is known as the Shadow Sanctum by the Order. It is the beginning—and possibly the end—of their authority.Zara ran her finger over the map. The place was remote, distant from any community or assistance, and deep in the mountains. "You mean we have to go?" With a serious expression, Elias said. "They'll target us first if we stay."The following morning, Zara collected their meagre belongings, which included a blanket, drink, and the pendant that was softly lighting around her neck. A file that Elias had read several times during the night was in his grasp.