Chapter 10: The Ties That Bind
The trio moved in silence, the battle still fresh in their minds. Though they had emerged victorious, the weight of their journey and the growing realization of their bond pressed heavily on each of them. The bond wasn't a curse, but it was becoming clear that it would guide them through the rest of the tower—perhaps even define their path.
Rex flexed his hands, his eyes scanning the walls as they continued deeper into the twisting corridors. "You know," he said, breaking the silence, "I was thinking. This bond thing isn't so bad. We fought better back there than we ever did alone."
Nox, walking slightly ahead, nodded but didn't turn to look at him. "True. We're stronger together. But it's not just about power—it's about control. We need to make sure we're always in sync, or it could backfire."
Azaymos walked between them, his hand brushing the hilt of his dagger. He could feel the pull of the bond, a constant hum at the back of his mind. It wasn't overpowering, but it was there—a reminder that they needed each other. Yet, there was no urgency or fear attached to it; just a sense of unity that had grown naturally since their fates had intertwined.
"We're moving fine now," Azaymos said, his voice steady. "We just need to be smart. We can handle ourselves if we split up for a bit, but it'll be harder if we're apart for too long."
The girl, silent as usual, trailed behind them, her presence barely noticeable unless they focused on her. She had been their guide, their quiet protector, but she always stayed just out of reach—never offering more than what was needed.
The corridor they followed now curved sharply, the walls narrowing as the stone gave way to a strange, dark metal. It felt different here—older, somehow—and the air was thicker, almost suffocating. The glow of their runes cast long shadows along the metallic surface.
"We're getting close to something," Nox murmured, her voice low. "The magic here is... denser."
Azaymos nodded in agreement. He could feel it too—the tower's energy, pulsing through the walls, through the very air. It was growing stronger the deeper they ventured. The bond between them seemed to resonate with the tower's magic, making it clearer that this was no ordinary place. There was something waiting for them.
As they pressed forward, the corridor widened again, opening into a vast chamber. The ceiling was so high it disappeared into darkness, and the floor was marked with strange, swirling patterns. At the center of the room stood a large stone altar, and behind it, a massive door carved with intricate symbols, far more elaborate than any they had seen before.
Rex eyed the door, his fists clenching. "Another door. And something tells me what's behind it isn't friendly."
Nox moved toward the altar, her fingers brushing the surface. "These markings... they're different from the runes we've seen. They feel more ancient. This could be another trial."
Azaymos joined her, inspecting the symbols. They were similar to the runes on his skin, but not quite the same. "It's definitely connected to the tower," he muttered. "But it's not something we can brute force our way through."
Rex smirked. "You sure about that? I've been pretty good at smashing through things lately."
Nox shot him a look, and Azaymos chuckled. "This might take more than your fists, Rex."
As they debated their next move, the girl finally stepped forward, her quiet steps drawing their attention. She approached the door, her small hand resting against its surface as though feeling the energy radiating from it.
"Not yet," she said softly, her eyes distant. "This door will open when you're ready. But there's still more you need to learn before you face what lies beyond."
Azaymos frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"
The girl turned to him, her expression calm. "The tower has many layers. What you've faced so far is only the beginning. There are challenges ahead that will test more than just your strength. You need to understand the bond—how to truly use it—before you can move forward."
Nox crossed her arms, her tone skeptical. "And how exactly are we supposed to 'understand' this bond?"
The girl didn't answer immediately, her gaze drifting back to the altar. "It's not something that can be taught. You have to learn it for yourselves. But when the time comes, you'll know."
Rex sighed, running a hand through his hair. "More riddles. Great."
Azaymos, however, wasn't as frustrated. He had started to see the pattern in the tower's trials—it wasn't just about fighting or surviving. It was about growth, both as individuals and as a group. The bond had brought them together, but now it was up to them to figure out how to make it work to its fullest potential.
"We'll figure it out," he said finally, turning to his companions. "We've made it this far. We'll keep going."
Nox nodded, though her expression remained guarded. "We don't have a choice, do we?"
Rex cracked his knuckles, grinning despite the tension. "I'm ready for whatever comes next. Let's just get it done."
As they prepared to move on, the girl stepped back into the shadows, her form flickering as she disappeared once more. Azaymos felt a strange pang of loss every time she vanished, but he pushed the feeling aside. She would return when she was needed. For now, they had to keep moving.
They retraced their steps back to the corridor, the door and altar left behind, waiting for them to return when the time was right. The tower shifted around them as they continued their journey, the air growing colder once more. But the bond between them remained steady, a constant presence that reassured them even in the face of the unknown.
The bond wasn't a curse. It wasn't even a burden. It was a gift—one that gave them strength when they needed it most. And though they knew there would be challenges ahead, they also knew that as long as they stayed together, they could face anything the tower threw at them.
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End of Chapter 10