章節 16: Chapter 15: Echoes of the Past

The sanctuary provided a fragile sense of safety, but it did little to soothe the tension among the group. Resting on cold stone benches, everyone remained on edge. Even the air inside the ancient shrine seemed heavy, charged with secrets long buried.

Kael's departure had left a lingering unease, his enigmatic presence still fresh in their minds. Alina couldn't shake the memory of his crimson eyes, nor the warning he had given about the Orb. It sat on the pedestal in the center of the room, glowing faintly, as though watching them in return.

"We can't stay here forever," Lorian said, breaking the silence. His voice carried the weight of responsibility. "The Coven won't stop until they find us."

"They'll track the Orb," Selene added, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. "That's what they want."

"But why?" Alina asked, her voice hesitant. "What makes it so important?"

The question hung in the air, unanswered. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, but no one dared to speak.

Ariel finally broke the silence. "It's not just a tool. The Orb is… connected to the balance of the worlds. If it falls into the wrong hands—"

"Spare us the lecture," Fenrir interrupted, pacing near the entrance. "We already know it's dangerous. What we need to figure out is how to stay ahead of them."

"By running?" Selene's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Great plan, wolf. Let's just keep running until we drop dead from exhaustion."

"Enough," Lorian said sharply. "We need to work together, or we won't survive."

Alina watched the argument unfold, her heart sinking. The group's fragile unity was already fracturing under the pressure. She glanced at Ariel, who looked just as worried.

Before anyone could say more, the runes on the walls flared to life, bathing the room in an eerie blue light. Everyone froze, their weapons at the ready.

"What's happening?" Alina whispered, moving closer to Ariel.

"The sanctuary is reacting to something," Ariel said, her wings twitching nervously.

A deep rumble echoed through the chamber, followed by a voice that seemed to emanate from the walls themselves. It was ancient and resonant, carrying the weight of centuries.

"Who dares disturb this sacred place?"

The group exchanged alarmed looks. Lorian stepped forward cautiously, his sword drawn. "We mean no harm. We seek refuge."

The voice rumbled again, a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Refuge? Or conquest? Many have sought to claim the power within these walls. Few have survived."

"We're not here for power," Ariel said, stepping beside Lorian. "We're trying to protect the Orb."

At the mention of the Orb, the glow on the pedestal intensified, and the voice grew sharper. "The Orb of Union… a relic of immense power. Do you truly understand what you carry?"

Alina felt the weight of the question settle on her shoulders. She stepped forward, her voice trembling but resolute. "We're trying to protect it from those who would use it to harm others. Please… we just need your help."

The room fell silent, the tension almost unbearable. Finally, the voice spoke again, softer this time.

"Very well. But know this: the path you walk is fraught with peril. The Orb is both a blessing and a curse. It will test your resolve… and your unity."

The light dimmed, and the runes faded back into darkness. The group let out a collective breath they hadn't realized they were holding.

"What was that?" Alina asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"A guardian spirit," Ariel said, her tone reverent. "The sanctuary is alive, in a way. It must have been testing us."

"Well, we passed," Fenrir muttered, though his tense posture suggested he wasn't entirely convinced.

Selene moved to the pedestal, her gaze fixed on the Orb. "It said the Orb is a curse," she said quietly. "Why?"

"Because power always comes at a price," Kael's voice echoed from the shadows, startling everyone.

He stepped into the room, his presence as unsettling as ever. "Did you really think I'd leave you alone?" he said, his tone amused.

"You're not exactly welcome here," Lorian said, his hand tightening on his sword.

Kael ignored him, his crimson eyes focused on the Orb. "The spirit wasn't lying. The Orb is dangerous, but not for the reasons you think."

"What do you mean?" Alina asked, unable to hide her curiosity.

Kael's gaze shifted to her, his expression unreadable. "The Orb doesn't just bind worlds together. It binds people. It amplifies emotions—fear, anger, love. It can strengthen bonds… or shatter them."

The words sent a chill through the group. They all exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of Kael's warning sinking in.

"So, what do we do?" Ariel asked, her voice steady despite the tension.

Kael smirked. "You keep moving. The sanctuary won't protect you forever. The Coven will find you eventually."

"And you?" Lorian asked. "What's your game?"

Kael's smile widened, but he didn't answer. Instead, he turned and walked toward the exit, his cloak billowing behind him. "I'll be watching," he said, his voice fading into the shadows.

As the group prepared to leave the sanctuary, Alina couldn't shake the feeling that they were being drawn into something far bigger than they realized. The Orb pulsed faintly on the pedestal, its glow both mesmerizing and ominous.

For better or worse, their journey was only just beginning.