Chapter 97: Fragments of Darkness

The icy wind cut like blades as the group ran out of the sanctuary, which was now collapsing behind them. Fragments of black stone fell from the ceiling, and the ground trembled with every step they took. Arlen led the way, holding a torch that barely illuminated the narrow tunnel. Kael was at the back, ensuring no one was left behind, while Vaiolet, although weak and stumbling, moved forward with determination.

The sanctuary finally collapsed behind them with a deafening roar. Dust and debris filled the air, forcing them all to cover their faces with their cloaks. When the silence returned, the five of them stopped at the cave entrance, panting and with their lungs full of dust.

—That… was too close —said Arlen, trying to catch his breath.

—Vaiolet? —asked Kael, moving closer to her. His eyes showed concern as he looked at her pale face and the shadows beneath her eyes—. Are you okay?

Vaiolet nodded weakly, but didn't answer immediately. Her mind was still trapped in the images she had seen in the core of the pact. Raw and fragmented truths that seemed like an impossible puzzle to solve. Each piece showed something different: a memory of her mother, the shadow of a betrayal, an uncertain future.

—I'm fine —she finally managed to say, though it didn’t sound convincing.

Kael looked at her with suspicion, but decided not to press her. He knew she needed time to process whatever she had faced in the sanctuary.

—We should move —interjected Loryn, who had remained silent until then. Her gaze was directed toward the forest stretching out in front of them, dark and threatening—. This place is no longer safe.

Vaiolet nodded.

—Loryn is right. We don’t know if the shadows from the sanctuary have fully dissipated.

The group resumed their march, entering the forest surrounding the sanctuary. The moon barely illuminated the path, and the crunching of the leaves beneath their feet seemed to echo in the silence of the night.

Hours later, they found a clearing where they decided to camp. Arlen and Loryn took care of starting a fire, while Kael surveyed the surroundings for any danger. Vaiolet sat near the fire, wrapped in her cloak to protect herself from the cold. Her gaze was fixed on the flames, but her mind was elsewhere.

—What did you see in there? —Kael suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

Vaiolet looked up, meeting the inquisitive eyes of her companion. She hesitated for a moment but knew Kael deserved an answer.

—Truths. Secrets that have been hidden for generations —she finally said—. Things I don't fully understand, but that could change everything.

Kael sat beside her, his expression full of patience.

—Like what?

Vaiolet took a breath before responding.

—I saw my mother… not as I remember her, but in another life, in another time. She was different. Stronger, more determined. And then I saw her fall… betrayed by someone close.

Kael furrowed his brow.

—Are you saying that… the betrayal was planned long ago?

—I don't know —Vaiolet replied, rubbing her temples—. Everything is confusing. But I also saw something else. Something that has to do with myself.

Kael waited, but Vaiolet didn't continue. Instead of pressing her, he placed a hand on her shoulder.

—We’ll figure it out together, Vaiolet. You don't have to carry this alone.

She nodded, grateful for his support, but deep down, she knew the burden was hers alone.

As the night went on, Vaiolet volunteered to take the first watch. Though exhaustion weighed on her body, she couldn’t afford to sleep. There were too many things on her mind, too many unanswered questions.

She stepped away from the camp, walking a few meters into the trees. The moon faintly illuminated the forest, and the sound of insects filled the air. Vaiolet took out the core of the pact, which now seemed like an opaque, lifeless crystal. She held it between her hands, wondering if it had really been worth all they had risked to obtain it.

—Are you seeking answers?

The voice echoed from the shadows, causing Vaiolet to quickly turn, dagger in hand. A figure emerged from between the trees: tall, cloaked in dark robes, with a face partially covered by a silver mask.

—Who are you? —Vaiolet asked, keeping her weapon raised.

—Someone who has been watching your steps from the beginning —the figure replied—. And someone who knows what you’re really looking for.

Vaiolet didn't lower her guard.

—What do you know about me?

The figure let out a soft laugh.

—I know you’re seeking to restore what you’ve lost. But I also know the path you’ve chosen is full of dangers you don’t yet understand.

—I don’t need your warnings —Vaiolet replied coldly—. If you have something useful to say, say it.

The figure took a step forward, though kept a prudent distance.

—The core of the pact is just one piece of the puzzle. To complete what you seek, you’ll need to find the remaining fragments.

Vaiolet frowned.

—Fragments?

—Yes. Three in total. Each one contains a part of the truth you're searching for. But be careful, because each fragment has a guardian, and not all of them will be as lenient as I am.

Vaiolet gritted her teeth, feeling frustration begin to rise inside her.

—Why should I trust you?

The figure shrugged.

—You don’t have to. But remember my words when the time comes.

Without saying more, the figure vanished into the shadows, leaving Vaiolet alone under the moonlight.

When she returned to the camp, Kael was waiting for her, arms crossed and a concerned expression on his face.

—Where were you?

—I just needed some air —Vaiolet replied, trying to sound convincing.

Kael didn’t seem satisfied, but he didn’t press her.

—Your watch is over. Get some rest.

Vaiolet nodded, though she knew sleep would be impossible. As she settled near the fire, her mind kept repeating the words of the figure in the forest. Three more fragments. Three guardians. How much more could she endure before it all ended?

She closed her eyes, though not to rest, but to try to find clarity amidst the darkness. The path ahead of her was uncertain, but one thing was sure: she wouldn’t stop until she reached the end, no matter the cost.