Whispers of the Unknown

Chapter 36: Whispers of the Unknown

Elias kept his expression unreadable as the murmurs of the gathered individuals slowly died down. The presence of the Forgotten Manuscript had shifted the atmosphere of the Midnight Assembly—anticipation, greed, and fear simmered beneath the surface.

Leira leaned in slightly, her voice barely a whisper. "This is bigger than we thought. If that book really holds knowledge about the origins of the Shadow's Hand, then…"

Elias nodded subtly, his mind already working through the implications. He had no doubt that some of the figures in this room would be willing to kill for it.

The masked speaker ran gloved fingers over the book's worn leather cover before speaking again. "The Forgotten Manuscript does not belong to a single individual. It belongs to history itself. But only those with the wisdom to decipher its words may glimpse the truths within."

Elias could sense the tension in the room thickening. Several individuals shifted in their seats, their eyes locked onto the book. A man in a dark navy cloak, his mask bearing an engraved sigil, finally broke the silence.

"And how do you propose we determine who is… worthy?"

A small chuckle escaped the speaker's lips. "Why, through the will of fate, of course."

With that, they pulled a deck of cards from their robes—aged and marked with symbols Elias did not recognize. The speaker placed them on the table. "Each person who seeks the manuscript may draw a card. Those whom fate favors shall move forward. The rest shall step aside."

A test of luck. Or perhaps, something deeper.

Elias exchanged a glance with Leira. It was clear they had no choice but to participate.

One by one, individuals stepped forward, reaching for the deck with steady or trembling hands. Each time a card was drawn, the speaker would glance at it before either nodding approvingly or gesturing for the person to step back.

Elias waited, observing the pattern. The ones chosen seemed… different. He couldn't quite place why, but there was an intangible quality about them.

Then, it was his turn.

Steeling himself, he reached forward and drew a card.

The moment his fingers touched it, an eerie sensation prickled at the back of his mind—a whisper, just barely audible, brushing against the edge of his consciousness.

He turned the card over.

A symbol was drawn upon it—an eye, half-shut, as if caught between wakefulness and slumber.

The speaker tilted their head, as if amused. "Interesting."

They gestured for him to step forward.

Leira followed, drawing her own card—a sigil resembling entwined serpents. She, too, was allowed to proceed.

The remaining individuals who had failed to be chosen left in silence, though Elias could sense frustration rolling off some of them like a bitter wind.

The speaker picked up the Forgotten Manuscript, holding it carefully before those who remained.

"You have been granted a chance to seek knowledge. But be warned—what lies within is not meant for the faint of heart."

They extended the book toward Elias. He hesitated only a fraction before reaching for it, his fingers brushing against the aged cover.

The moment he made contact, a pulse of something unseen passed through him. The room darkened at the edges, and for a split second, Elias swore he could hear distant voices—whispers, overlapping and unintelligible.

Then, it was gone.

The book was in his hands.

And with it, a path he could never turn away from.

To Be Continued...