Chapter 139: Chapter 139: The Silence of the Past

The echo of footsteps against cold stone was the only sound as Ethan descended into the depths of the fortress. The torches on the walls flickered, casting long shadows that danced ominously as he ventured deeper into the restricted archives. His heart pounded in his chest, a steady drumbeat that mirrored the apprehension gnawing at the edges of his resolve.

The air grew cooler the farther he went, the scent of old parchment and dust thickening. The restricted archives were buried deep beneath the fortress, far from the light of day, as if the knowledge contained within was too dangerous to be kept anywhere else. As Ethan reached the bottom of the staircase, he paused, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. This was the first step on a journey that could lead them to the end of the entity—or into something far worse.