Chapter Seventeen – The Awakening of Shadows

The weight of the air increased exerting an invincible pressure on Selene's chest. Around them, the ruins throbbed with a weird radiance, the carvings moving as though they were living things. Asrael remained motionless, staring at the bright symbols with a spark of something unintelligible in his golden eyes and erratic breathing. 

"Something is happening," Selene whispered, gripping the hilt of her dagger tighter. Her voice was steady, but her heart was a storm of uncertainty.

Asrael didn't respond immediately. His fingers twitched at his sides, his entire body rigid as though bracing for an unseen blow. Then, in a low voice, he murmured, "They are awake."

🔥 A Haunting Presence 🔥

Before Selene could even comprehend what he had said, the glow became stronger and quickly swept throughout the walls like wildfire. Weird shadows extended creating twisted forms that shifted between the blackness and the torchlight.

The chamber was filled with a guttural, deep whisper that sounded like wind rubbing across stone. "The abandoned one....You are walking on cursed soil.

Selene's breathing become labored. Who is here ? "Show yourself'

Silence. The ruins were filled only with the increasing hum of electricity. Abruptly, Asrael gripped his skull. His entire body shuddered as if gripped by unseen hands.

Selene rushed to his side, grasping his arm. "Asrael? What's happening? Talk to me!"

He gasped in ragged breaths. I think it's inside me. I hear them. His poise was changing in front of her eyes and his speech sounded strange.

His muscles tensed as Selene touched them. "This isn't you, Remain with me.

THE CONNECTION GETS STRONGER 

Asrael's golden eyes glowed, battling the darkness like fading flames. Then something changed a strange force that both of them felt but neither could see a tug between them. She felt a rush of warmth that blended with something old and ancient and an inexplicable as soon as her fingers curled around his wrist.

Asrael's face cleared and his breathing became steady. "You.... His tone was one of incredulity and was thick with disbelief and something softer—something hesitant. "You pulled me back."

Selene swallowed hard. Her skin tingled where she touched him. "I don't know how, I just—"

"It's the link." He exhaled, shaking his head. "It's stronger than before."

🔥 A Dire Revelation 🔥

Before she could respond, a violent tremor shook the ruins. Stones crumbled from the ceiling, dust filling the air in a suffocating cloud.

"The forsaken one must not remember."

Selene's stomach twisted. "Remember what?"

Asrael's gaze sharpened, the glow of the ruins reflecting in his irises. "They're afraid of something I might recall." His hands curled into fists. "And I intend to find out what."

The ruins groaned, the shadows coiling tighter, like a storm about to break. Whatever secrets lay buried here, they were not meant to be uncovered. But it was too late to turn back now.