Within a Hollow Heart

Chapter 162: Volume 2, Chapter 106:

Chapter 162: Volume 2, Chapter 106: "Echoes of the Mountains" The wind howled as they ascended the jagged cliffs of the northern mountains, the path treacherous with loose stones and sharp edges. The weight of their mission pressed heavily on all of them, the knowledge that the fate of their world rested on their shoulders. Cole could feel the cold air biting at his skin, but the deeper chill came from within—the steady, oppressive pulse of the void that grew stronger the further they climbed.

Elara led the way, her eyes fixed ahead, but Cole could see the tension in her movements. The discovery of the Guardian focus had given them hope, but the closer they came to their destination, the more Cole could feel the void resisting them. It was as if the void knew they were coming, that they had the means to stop it, and it was preparing to fight back.

Selene followed closely behind, her face expressionless but her eyes constantly scanning their surroundings for danger. They had encountered no more void-touched since leaving the archive, but Cole knew better than to trust the silence. The void was watching, waiting.

"Not far now," Elara called back over the wind, her voice barely audible above the storm.

Cole glanced up at the towering peaks that surrounded them, their jagged forms barely visible through the thick clouds. The Knot they were

Selene sheathed her blade, her face pale but resolute. "We stopped it."

But as they stood there, breathing heavily in the cold mountain air, Cole couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

The void had been pushed back, but it wasn't gone.

And it would return.