Chapter Fifteen: The Remnant’s Fury

The ground trembled beneath Lyra's feet as the remnant emerged from the shadows. This one was massive, towering over the remnants they had faced before. Its translucent body crackled with energy, and its glowing eyes locked onto Lyra with an intensity that made her breath catch.

"We've got a problem," Kieran muttered, stepping into a defensive stance. His dagger shimmered faintly with Echo energy, but even he hesitated at the sight of the creature.

Rowan raised her hands, a faint golden glow emanating from her palms. "Lyra, we can't fight this thing on our own. Are you sure about staying here?"

Lyra's chest tightened. She clutched the stone in her pocket, its cool surface grounding her as the hum of energy in the chamber grew deafening. The remnant wasn't just looking at her—it was drawn to her, as if her presence alone had awakened it.

"I don't think it's giving us a choice," she said, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her veins.

The remnant let out a soundless roar and lunged. Its massive form moved faster than something its size had any right to, its claw-like appendages slamming into the ground where the group had been standing moments before.

Kieran grabbed Lyra's arm and pulled her back as Rowan darted to the side, her golden Echo flaring as she threw up a shield of light. The creature struck it with another swipe, shattering the shield into fragments that dissipated like smoke.

"This thing's stronger than the others," Rowan shouted.

"No kidding," Kieran said, slashing at the creature's side. His dagger passed through its form, leaving ripples in the translucent energy but doing no lasting damage.

Lyra's mind raced. The remnant's energy felt different—more concentrated, more alive. She could feel it resonating with her own Echo, the pull stronger than ever.

"This isn't working," Kieran said, dodging another strike. "Lyra, we need that magic trick of yours. Now!"

Lyra's breath came in short gasps as she stepped forward, her fingers brushing the stone in her pocket. The warmth spread through her hand, and the fractured energy within her stirred, wild and unrelenting.

You are the bridge.

The voice from the orb echoed in her mind, clear and steady despite the chaos around her. She closed her eyes, letting the hum of energy guide her.

The remnant lunged again, and Lyra raised her hand. A translucent barrier erupted in front of her, jagged and pulsing with raw energy. The remnant struck it, and the force of the impact sent a shockwave rippling through the chamber.

Lyra gritted her teeth, the strain of holding the barrier nearly overwhelming. "It's not enough!" she shouted.

Rowan stepped beside her, placing her glowing hands on Lyra's shoulders. The warmth of Rowan's Echo flowed into her, steadying her trembling arms.

"You can do this," Rowan said. "I've got you."

The remnant thrashed against the barrier, its form flickering violently. Lyra felt the energy within her shift, unstable and fractured, but she didn't try to suppress it this time. She let it flow, guiding it like the elder had taught her.

The barrier rippled and changed, transforming into chains of shimmering light that wrapped around the remnant's form. The creature let out another soundless roar, its body convulsing as the chains tightened.

"Keep going!" Kieran shouted, his dagger flashing as he leapt forward, striking at the creature's core. This time, the blade connected, the energy from the chains amplifying the attack.

The remnant's form began to dissolve, its translucent body breaking apart into fragments of light. Lyra could feel the energy surging through her, wild and powerful, but she held steady, guiding it toward the remnant's core.

With a final burst of light, the creature shattered, the fragments dissolving into the air.

The chamber fell silent.

Lyra dropped to her knees, her chest heaving. The stone in her pocket was cold now, its light extinguished. Rowan knelt beside her, her hands glowing faintly as she checked for injuries.

"Are you okay?" Rowan asked, her voice soft.

"I think so," Lyra said, though her arms trembled from the strain.

Kieran approached, his dagger still in hand. His sharp eyes scanned the room, but his expression was unreadable. "That wasn't just Unity, was it?"

Lyra looked up at him, her brow furrowing. "What do you mean?"

Kieran shook his head. "You didn't just destroy that thing—you overpowered it. You didn't fight its energy. You… merged with it somehow."

The words sent a chill through Lyra. She thought of the connection she had felt to the remnant, the way its energy had resonated with hers. It wasn't just an attack—it had been a bridge.

"I don't know what happened," she admitted. "But it felt like I was part of it, like I could guide it."

Rowan glanced between them, her eyes wide. "Is that what Unity does? Connects Echoes?"

"I don't know," Lyra said, her voice trembling. "I didn't even know Unity existed until a few days ago."

Kieran frowned, his grip tightening on his dagger. "Whatever it is, you'd better figure it out fast. If the Harmonium gets wind of this, they won't just hunt you. They'll come for all of us."

Lyra nodded, her determination hardening despite her exhaustion. The remnants weren't just mindless echoes of the past—they were connected to her in ways she was only beginning to understand.

But one thing was clear: the deeper they went, the closer they came to the truth.

And the truth, Lyra realized, might be more dangerous than anything they had faced so far.