The Chronicles of a Fallen Star

Paola sat quietly in the plush chair, her heart racing as she took in the luxurious office and the imposing presence of Lady Marcelline. She felt a mixture of awe and trepidation, her mind reeling from the revelations Ayla had shared earlier. The room was opulent, with walls adorned with rich paintings and maps, the furniture a blend of luxurious velvet and sturdy wood. The dying glow of the setting sun streamed in through the wraparound window, casting long shadows that added to the room's grandeur.

Lady Marcelline turned to face them, her ice-blue eyes piercing. "Ayla, it is truly a delight to see you’ve survived the ordeal with the Cave Hounds. Tell me, how did you manage to survive through the Miridian Mountains after you were separated from the carriage?"

Ayla sat up straight, her posture as rigid as a soldier's. "My Lady, it was a harrowing experience. After the carriage was attacked, I was forced to flee deeper into the Miridian Mountains. The terrain was treacherous, but I managed to outmaneuver most of the Cave Hounds by collapsing a bridge behind me, taking down many of them in the process."

Lady Marcelline nodded, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "And what of Paola, here? How did you find her?"

Ayla glanced at Paola, her expression softening for a moment before she continued. "I encountered Paola shortly after the summoning spell. I had been escaping the remaining Cave Hounds when I saw the falling star. Intrigued, I followed its trajectory and found Paola. At first, I believed she might be the falling star, but after speaking with her, I discovered she is a simple farmer from the Solaria Province."

Paola's eyes widened in surprise. She had not expected Ayla to lie, especially not so convincingly. The Solaria Province? She had never heard of it, but Ayla spoke with such confidence that it seemed plausible. Paola felt a pang of guilt but remained silent, trusting Ayla's judgment.

"Solaria Province," Lady Marcelline repeated, her eyes flicking to Paola. "The sun-kissed plains and golden wheat fields. Which city?"

"Helios, my Lady," Ayla answered confidently. "Paola was bathing when a summoning spell pulled her away from her bath. She had been surviving on her own for a week before I found her on the brink of death, well before the summoning event."

Paola tried to keep her expression neutral, her mind racing. How could Ayla lie so effortlessly? She had always been honest with her, but now, facing Lady Marcelline, the truth seemed to be an inconvenience.

"I see," Lady Marcelline said, her tone thoughtful. "And what of the Falling Star? Were you able to locate it?"

Ayla shook her head. "No, my Lady. I searched, but there was no sign of it. Paola was the only person I found, and she was in desperate need of help."

Lady Marcelline's eyes softened slightly, but the firmness in her voice remained. "And then?"

Ayla recounted their journey, her voice unwavering. "After finding Paola, we were attacked by bandits. It was a close call, but we managed to fend them off. Then, we encountered various beasts—Cave Hounds, slimes, and stalkers. Each battle was a fight for survival, but we managed to overcome them."

Lady Marcelline's expression was unreadable, her eyes fixed on Ayla as she continued.

"We discovered a lost city while fleeing from more Cave Stalkers. It was an incredible sight, my Lady, and I believe it warrants further investigation. We barely escaped with our lives, but the city held many secrets."

Lady Marcelline made a note, her interest clearly piqued. "I will send a team to investigate. What else?"

Ayla hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. "We encountered Thrix Yas'tavot and got involved with Ovocohos the FleshCrafter. It was... complicated. We tried to help Thrix save a friend, but it stirred up trouble with Ovocohos. Both of them are well-known, and it was a delicate situation."

Lady Marcelline's eyebrows rose slightly. "Indeed. Thrix and Ovocohos are not to be trifled with. You took a great risk."

Ayla nodded. "Yes, my Lady. But we managed to navigate the situation without major incident."

Lady Marcelline leaned back, her fingers steepled as she regarded Ayla. "And what is your next plan for Paola? You seem to have taken responsibility for her."

Paola felt a pang of unease at being spoken about as if she were an object or a lost pet. She glanced at Ayla, searching for reassurance.

Ayla met Lady Marcelline's gaze, her voice unwavering. "My Lady, Paola and I... we have developed feelings for each other. I wish to request permission to engage in a personal relationship with her."

For the first time, Lady Marcelline's expression shifted, a single eyebrow twitching upward. "Feelings, Ayla? What do you mean by this?"

Ayla took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "I have caught feelings for Paola, my Lady. She means a great deal to me, and I wish to pursue a relationship with her."

Lady Marcelline's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of her mouth. "A relationship? And you are asking for my permission?"

Ayla nodded, her expression resolute. "Yes, my Lady. I respect your authority and understand the importance of my duties, but I cannot deny my feelings for Paola."

Lady Marcelline was silent for a moment, her gaze piercing as she studied Ayla. Then, she leaned forward slightly, her tone sharp. "And why, Ayla, are you not asking about your team?"

Ayla stiffened, her eyes widening in surprise and fear. Paola felt a chill run down her spine, the weight of Lady Marcelline's question hanging heavily in the air. The room fell silent, the tension thick and oppressive, as they awaited Ayla's response. Ayla flushed red, struggling for words under Lady Marcelline's piercing gaze. The room felt thick with tension, each moment stretching unbearably. Lady Marcelline finally broke the silence, her voice cutting through the air like a knife.

"Gwenore," Lady Marcelline called out, her tone commanding.

Without a moment's hesitation, Gwenore entered the room, moving quickly to the Lady's side. Lady Marcelline's eyes never left Ayla as she addressed her head maid.

"Gwenore, do you have any information about Ayla’s knowledge regarding her team?" Lady Marcelline asked, her voice deceptively calm.

Gwenore stiffened, her eyes flicking to Ayla before she answered. "My Lady, I may have inadvertently let it slip that Ayla had been replaced."

Lady Marcelline's expression darkened, and she let out a disapproving "tsk" before dismissing Gwenore with a curt nod. "Remember your place, Gwenore. Such information should be delivered by me personally."

Gwenore bowed her head in acknowledgment, her posture rigid, before she exited the room. Ayla, though relieved that the scrutiny had shifted away from her, still appeared tense.

Lady Marcelline turned her attention back to Ayla, her voice gentle yet firm. "Ayla, you have been officially replaced by Ashekin Gravehorn, a Minotaur General from Helios." She glanced at Paola, a small smile playing on her lips. "It seems Helios is quite prominent in our discussion today."

Paola felt a chill run down her spine at the mention of the city she had never actually seen, but had used as part of her fabricated backstory. She forced a weak smile in response.

Lady Marcelline continued, her tone taking on a more sympathetic note. "Ayla, you were presumed dead. Your team had jobs to do, and they could not wait indefinitely."

Ayla nodded, her expression a mix of understanding and regret. "I understand, my Lady."

Lady Marcelline sighed, her gaze softening slightly. "What was your job, Ayla?"

"To protect and serve you, my Lady," Ayla answered without hesitation.

Lady Marcelline's eyes hardened. "The dead do not serve anyone, Ayla."

Ayla winced at the sharp rebuke, but she remained silent.

"And tell me," Lady Marcelline continued, her voice growing more intimidating, "why did you not bring Paola here as soon as you returned to Valarian? Why stay at the inn?"

Both Paola and Ayla froze, their minds racing. How had Lady Marcelline known they were in the city? Ayla hesitated, her mind scrambling for an explanation.

"With all due respect, my Lady," Ayla began, her voice trembling slightly, "in the last seven years, I have not had a moment of... freedom. I took advantage of that. I apologize." She bowed her head, her expression one of genuine remorse.

Lady Marcelline's response was a chilling mix of danger and pleasantness. "You are not free, Ayla. Never think of doing something like that again. If you ever feel that way, flee, flee as far as you can."

Ayla quickly nodded, her face pale. Paola's heart thumped in her chest at the casual threat.

Lady Marcelline's demeanor shifted once more, returning to a casual indifference. "Now, about this relationship you wish to pursue. Can you manage your duties and a relationship? Is it something you even want to risk?"

Ayla's resolve seemed to strengthen. "Yes, my Lady. I believe I can manage both."

Lady Marcelline's gaze turned to Paola, her eyes narrowing slightly. "And what can Paola bring to this arrangement? Is she truly a simple farmer? If so, she could work in my fields while you fulfill your duties."

Paola shrunk deeper into her chair, feeling smaller than ever. Ayla, sensing her discomfort, spoke up. "My Lady, I would like to take Paola under my wing as an adventurer. She has shown great resilience and potential."

Lady Marcelline raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. She seemed to consider Ayla's words carefully before responding. "Very well. I will assign another member to your team, giving you a three-member group. I have tasks that require your attention."

Ayla visibly relaxed, a smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, my Lady. That is most generous."

"But," Lady Marcelline added, her eyes hardening once more, "should you fail in your duties, or should your relationship affect them negatively, there will be consequences. Am I understood?"

"Yes, my Lady," Ayla and Paola replied in unison, their voices wavering slightly.

"Good," Lady Marcelline said, her demeanor shifting back to its usual casualness.

Lady Marcelline’s expression was entirely unreadable as she stared at them, her gaze sharp and calculating. Paola felt as though she were walking on the edge of a knife, unsure whether she would be pushed or pulled back to safety. After what felt like an eternity, Lady Marcelline finally moved her gaze to Paola.

“Is your family missing you, Paola?” Lady Marcelline asked, her tone deceptively casual. “What is the culture like in Helios? I've always wanted to go, but to get to that side of Udanara would cost far more than I’d be willing to spend,” she joked, waving her hand dismissively.

Paola swallowed hard, her mind racing to come up with an answer. “My family... I’m sure they miss me. Helios is a vibrant city, always full of life and light. The markets are bustling, and there’s always a festival or celebration happening. The people are warm and welcoming,” she said, hoping her fabricated story would hold.

Lady Marcelline tapped her finger on her chin, humming thoughtfully. “A summoning spell gone wrong to have pulled someone that far from Helios,” she mused aloud. “I will need to speak to Jester as well, the Magist of the Palace. You’ll find him quite... unique.”

Paola couldn’t help but wonder if Magist was some equivalent to wizard or sorcerer. She felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension about meeting this Jester.

“Tell me, Paola,” Lady Marcelline continued, “what is your class?”

Paola hesitated. “I don’t have one yet. The farm I tended to... I wasn’t allowed access to the Tree of Life until recently. Class unlock is at level 20.”

Lady Marcelline narrowed her eyes. “Do you have any other traits?”

Paola fumbled for words. “A lot of my gear was a gift from Thrix. I helped in some fights, and it led me to want to be an adventurer.”

Lady Marcelline sat quietly, her eyes studying Paola and Ayla as if she were piecing together a complex puzzle. Finally, she nodded. “Very well. I will bring in someone with the Instructor class to set you on the right path.”

Turning her attention back to Ayla, Lady Marcelline’s voice softened slightly. “I am glad you are back. Take a couple of days to heal here at the palace. There is still work to be done. The Festival of Breath is set to come next month, and there is plenty of preparation needed.”

Ayla stood and bowed, and Paola quickly followed suit, mimicking Ayla’s actions. Lady Marcelline dismissed them with a wave, her focus already shifting to the next matter at hand.

Instead of returning to the guest room, Ayla led Paola to her own quarters, now that she was once again allowed to live at the palace. As they walked through the grand corridors, Paola marveled at the opulence around her but remained acutely aware of the tension that had filled the room.

Ayla’s room was a haven of warmth and comfort, instantly reminding Paola of Sedona, Arizona. The walls were painted in rich, earthy tones of red and gold, reminiscent of the vibrant desert landscape. A large, comfortable bed with a wrought iron frame stood in the center of the room, covered in soft blankets and plush pillows that invited relaxation. Two elegant nightstands flanked the bed, each holding a delicate lamp that cast a warm glow throughout the space.

A beautifully carved wooden dresser stood against one wall, topped with a large, ornate mirror that reflected the room’s inviting ambiance. A small sitting area was arranged near the window, with a pair of cushioned chairs and a low table set for tea. The window itself offered a breathtaking view of Valarian, the sprawling city bathed in the soft light of the night.

A private bath adjoined the room, its door slightly ajar to reveal a luxurious space with a deep soaking tub and intricate tilework. The scent of lavender and chamomile hung in the air, hinting at the promise of a relaxing soak after a long day.

Paola was drawn to the window, the view of the night sky captivating her. Millions of stars twinkled above, painting the sky with their ethereal light. She stood there, staring out at the vast expanse, feeling a sense of awe and wonder.

Ayla joined her by the window, her expression softening as she took in the view. “Paola, I’m sorry about lying back there,” she said quietly, her voice tinged with regret. “I panicked.”

Paola turned to her, a small smile on her lips. “It’s fine, Ayla. I had your back.”

Ayla looked at her, gratitude and affection shining in her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered.

They stood there in silence for a moment, the stars above providing a serene backdrop to their thoughts. Then, Ayla leaned in, her lips brushing gently against Paola’s in a soft, lingering kiss. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, connected in that intimate moment.

Paola felt her heart swell with emotion, the warmth of Ayla’s presence enveloping her. She knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. The kiss deepened, their connection growing stronger with each passing second.

As they finally pulled apart, Ayla rested her forehead against Paola’s, their breaths mingling. Her gaze was tender and affectionate, and Paola felt her heart skip a beat. She had never experienced such an intense connection with anyone before, and she was determined to hold on to it, no matter what.

***

Cassian walked behind Ashekin, glaring at the back of the towering Minotaur. The massive figure of their new captain cut an imposing silhouette against the rugged terrain of the Miridian Mountains. Each step Ashekin took seemed to shake the ground, his hooves stomping with a determined, almost stubborn rhythm that only fueled Cassian's irritation.

It wasn't that he had a thing for Ayla—sure, he wouldn't have minded, but she was like a sister to him. He knew in his heart that she wasn't dead. Ayla was a stronger warrior than even he, a Sword Maiden of her caliber was nearly unheard of. There was no way those Cave Hounds could have taken her down. He shook his head, staring up into the sky, where the Ribcage of the Leviathan loomed high above them, a grim reminder of the ancient battles that had scarred this land.

Lady Marcelline had sent them out here to find another star. As if that was going to happen. Since Ayla's supposed death, things hadn't been right. The group felt fragmented, their usual camaraderie strained under the weight of uncertainty and grief.

Liora's voice broke into his thoughts, pulling his gaze from the sky to the archer walking beside him. The Arch Maiden's attire was a far cry from the traditional garb of the Dragon Guard. Instead, she wore the grassy style of the Nymph Guard—practical yet revealing, with leaves forming a makeshift bikini, her skin stained with dirt for camouflage. Her curly red locks were adorned with twigs and leaves, giving her an almost feral appearance. One might think she would smell of bear piss, given her appearance, but she smelled faintly of lavender. She carried her bow with a practiced ease, her quiver full of arrows ready for whatever danger might lurk ahead.

"Do you think we're going to find anything out here?" Liora asked, her voice hushed as she glanced around, ever vigilant.

Cassian shook his head, his eyes scanning the rocky path ahead. "I doubt it," he muttered, his tone edged with frustration.

Liora nodded, her expression mirroring his own skepticism. "Yeah, me too. This whole thing feels like a wild goose chase."

Behind them, Thane trudged along silently, his massive frame making little noise despite his size. His quiet presence was a comfort to Cassian, a reminder that some things remained constant, even in these uncertain times.

"Why do you think Lady Marcelline was so quick to replace Ayla?" Liora asked, her voice dropping even lower. "She didn't even seem to mourn her. Ayla was like a daughter to her."

Cassian remained silent for a moment, considering her words. The sand crunched under his boots, contrasting with the near-silent movements of Liora's sandals. Ashekin's hooves stomped ahead, accompanied by the steady thud of Thane's heavy steps. It was an odd group, lacking even a mage or healer. Not that they needed one with their combined skills, but still, it felt wrong without Ayla.

He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, its familiar weight a small comfort. "Maybe Lady Marcelline knows something we don't," he finally said. "Or maybe she thought we needed a leader to keep us focused."

Liora nodded thoughtfully, her eyes scanning the horizon. "Maybe. Still, I can't shake the feeling that there's more to it."

Cassian grunted in agreement, his eyes narrowing as they walked through the rolling mountains. The landscape was harsh and unforgiving, jagged rocks and steep inclines making their journey arduous. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and the faint, metallic tang of old blood from battles long past. The Ribcage of the Leviathan cast eerie shadows over the land, its massive bones towering like grim sentinels.

As they moved forward, the sky above began to darken, the setting sun casting long shadows across the terrain. The mountains seemed to close in around them, the path growing narrower and more treacherous. Cassian kept a wary eye on their surroundings, his senses heightened by the tension that hung in the air.

"Do you think Lady Marcelline is setting us up to fail?" Liora asked suddenly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Cassian turned to her, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean?"

"Think about it," she said, her eyes flicking to Ashekin's back. "We haven't heard anything about Ayla for days, and now we're out here, following this new captain on some wild chase for a fallen star. It doesn't add up."

Cassian's jaw tightened. He had been wondering the same thing. Was this mission a way to get rid of them? To send them to their deaths? The thought gnawed at him, but he pushed it aside. They had to focus on the task at hand, whatever it might be.

Before he could respond, Liora continued, her voice taking on a more playful tone. "Although, I wouldn't mind taking the captain alone for some... training," she said with a smirk.

Cassian rolled his eyes and tuned her out, his thoughts drifting back to Ayla. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was still out there, somewhere. She was too strong, too skilled to be taken down so easily. He had to believe that. For now, they had to focus on the mission, even if it seemed pointless.

The path grew steeper as they ascended into the higher reaches of the Miridian Mountains. The air grew colder, and a biting wind whipped through the narrow passes. Cassian kept a close eye on Ashekin, still wary of their new captain. The Minotaur moved with purpose, his eyes scanning the terrain as if he knew exactly where he was going.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the mountains in a deep blue twilight. The Ribcage of the Leviathan loomed even larger in the fading light, its bones glowing faintly in the moonlight. The three moons of Valarian began to rise, their silvery light casting eerie shadows across the landscape.

Cassian's mind was a whirl of thoughts and doubts as they trudged on. The fallen stars, Ayla's disappearance, the sudden appointment of Ashekin—all of it felt like pieces of a puzzle he couldn't quite fit together. He glanced at Liora, who had fallen silent, her eyes scanning the darkening horizon. Thane's heavy footsteps were a steady rhythm behind them, a comforting reminder of their shared purpose.

Cassian trudged along behind Ashekin, his eyes fixed on the Minotaur's broad back, his mind lost in a tangle of thoughts. The wind had picked up as night fell, howling through the Miridian Mountains and sending chills through their bones. The Ribcage of the Leviathan loomed above them, its ancient bones casting long, eerie shadows under the light of the three moons.

The group pressed on, the path becoming steeper and more treacherous with each step. The cold air bit at their exposed skin, and Cassian pulled his cloak tighter around him, feeling the chill seep into his bones. He glanced at Liora, who moved silently beside him, her red curls whipped by the wind. Thane followed behind, his heavy footsteps a comforting presence in the darkness.

The wind howled louder, and Ashekin raised a hand, signaling them to stop. Cassian watched as the Minotaur scanned the terrain, his keen eyes searching for a suitable place to set up camp. After a few moments, Ashekin pointed to a small crevice nestled between two large rocks. It wasn't exactly a cave, but it would offer some shelter from the relentless wind.

They moved quickly, setting up a makeshift camp in the small, sheltered space. Liora grumbled as she crouched down, pulling out her fire starter. "I miss Ayla for this reason alone," she muttered, striking the flint with practiced precision but struggling to get a spark.

Cassian shook his head as Ashekin stepped forward. "Move your hands," the Minotaur instructed. Liora raised an eyebrow but complied, stepping back. Ashekin leaned down, hocked a loogie of molten fire into the pile of sticks, and within seconds, the fire ignited, crackling to life.

Liora's eyes widened, and she let out a low whistle. "Well, that's one way to do it," she said, a hint of admiration in her voice.

They settled around the fire, the warmth a welcome relief from the cold. The crackling flames cast flickering shadows on their faces, and for a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. It had been several nights like this since Ayla's disappearance, and the routine had become almost monotonous.

Liora broke the silence, her voice light and teasing. "So, Ashekin, what else can you do? Any other impressive tricks up your sleeve?"

The Minotaur glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "My focus is on the mission," he replied, his tone firm. "We have a job to do."

Liora pouted slightly, but there was a twinkle in her eye. "All business, huh? You know, a little fun never hurt anyone."

Cassian couldn't help but smirk at her playful banter. It was a welcome distraction from the weight of their task. Ashekin, however, remained unfazed. "After we eat, we'll take shifts on guard," he said, ignoring her flirtation. "We need to be vigilant."

They ate their dried rations in relative silence, each lost in their thoughts. Cassian chewed mechanically, his mind drifting back to Ayla. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had failed her, that if he had fought harder, she would still be here. The guilt gnawed at him, a constant companion since that fateful day.

After their meal, they arranged their shifts and settled down to rest. The fire crackled softly, its warmth a small comfort against the cold night. Cassian lay on his back, staring up at the sky, the three moons casting their silvery light over the landscape. He forced himself to believe that Ayla was still alive, that she was out there somewhere, fighting her own battles. It was the only way he could cope with the guilt, the only way he could keep going.

They awoke before dawn, the sky a deep indigo as the first light of day began to creep over the horizon. They packed up their camp quickly, moving with the practiced efficiency of seasoned warriors. The path ahead was steep and treacherous, and the wind had not lessened in its intensity.

As they climbed higher, the air grew colder, and the wind howled louder, whipping through the narrow passes and tugging at their cloaks. Cassian kept his eyes on Ashekin, following the Minotaur's lead. Despite his initial reservations, he had to admit that Ashekin was a competent leader, his movements deliberate and sure.

They continued deeper into the mountains, the path growing narrower and more perilous with each step. The sun had not yet risen, and the world was bathed in the cold light of the moons. Cassian's muscles ached from the climb, but he pushed on, driven by a sense of duty and the faint hope that they might find some clue, some sign that would lead them to Ayla.

Suddenly, Ashekin stopped dead in his tracks, and Cassian, lost in his thoughts, walked right into the Minotaur's back. He opened his mouth to apologize, but Ashekin raised a fist, signaling for silence. Cassian followed his gaze to one of the massive ribs of the Leviathan, which rose high into the sky.

There, on the bone, was a burn mark and a small chunk missing, as if it had been struck by something. Cassian's eyes widened in realization. The bone had been hit by a fallen star. He was impressed despite himself. He had underestimated Ashekin, thinking him to be just a large, dumb brute.

Liora's voice broke the silence. "What is it?" she asked, her eyes following Ashekin's pointing finger.

Cassian looked down and saw it. At the base of the rib, on the side of the mountain, was a hole. And in that hole was a dead man. His clothing was odd, unlike anything Cassian had seen before. It was clear they had found something significant.

"The falling star must have landed on the other side of the Seracian Rift," Ashekin said, his voice low and serious. "We'll have to find a way across."

Cassian stared at the dead man, a sense of foreboding settling over him. The Seracian Rift was a bottomless pit that ran through the Seracian Sands and the Miridian Mountains. It was said to be impassable, a deadly chasm that swallowed anyone who tried to cross it.

Liora shook her head, her expression grim. "How are we supposed to get across that? It's a death sentence."

Cassian felt a knot of fear in his stomach. The Rift was a formidable obstacle, and the thought of crossing it filled him with dread. But they had come too far to turn back now. They had to find a way.

The winds picked up again, whistling through the mountain pass and buffeting them. Cassian felt a shiver go down his spine. There was a cold, ominous feeling in the air.

"I don't like this," Liora said, her voice barely audible above the wind. "Something doesn't feel right."

Cassian nodded in agreement, his senses on high alert. He had spent enough time in the wilds to recognize the signs of an ambush. Ashekin seemed unperturbed, his gaze focused on the Rift.

Shadows began to shift along the edges of the Rift, dark forms moving like wraiths in the dim light. Cassian's hand tightened on the hilt of his sword, and Liora nocked an arrow, her eyes darting from shadow to shadow. Thane grunted, his massive battle-axe in hand, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

Ashekin remained stoic, his expression calm and focused. Staring out over the vast expanse of the Rift, he seemed unfazed by the encroaching danger.

"What is it?" Cassian whispered, his eyes searching the shadows.

"I don't know," Liora replied, her voice laced with tension. "But whatever it is, it's not good."

Ashekin turned to face them, his expression grave. "We're going to have to fight our way across the Rift," he said, his voice low and steady. "It's the only way."

Cassian swallowed hard, the reality of their situation sinking in. They were facing an unknown enemy, in an unfamiliar territory, with no idea of what they would encounter. But Ashekin was right—it was the only way. They had no choice but to push forward. That or go back empty-handed.

The shadows shifted again, drawing closer. A cold, cruel laugh echoed from the depths of the Rift, sending a shiver down Cassian's spine. Whatever was lurking there, it was not human.