All Chapters of Echoes in the Ashes: Chapter 111 - Chapter 120

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

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

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

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

Zara moved toward the enormous doorway, her heart beating as though in time with the symbols' throbbing light. There was an odd force in the air surrounding them, and it felt heavy. Kael and Elias looked at each other, their tense partnership still shaky."Do you sense that?" Elias asked, his hand firmly clutching his sword's hilt."Yes," Kael whispered, looking about him. "As if the air were alive." Zara, what is this place?Zara paused, her hand lingering over the stone's engraved symbols. At last, she remarked, "It's... a key." "To everything." It is a test, though. We might not receive another chance if we do not succeed here.Kael grinned, but there was a hint of nervousness in his voice. "So, no pressure."Zara's fingers touched the symbols, making them blaze brighter. The air was filled with a low hum that became louder by the second. Then the doorway started to move with a thunderous roar.The PerspectiveThey had to protect their eyes from the dazzling brightness that streame