The ruins became darker as Solstice and the Watcher moved deeper into their heart. The sand shifted unnaturally, as if alive, curling around their feet before scattering like whispers on the wind. The sun above seemed reluctant to follow, leaving them in a twilight gloom that deepened with every step.
The silence between them was heavy, but Solstice couldn't shake the lingering presence of Silas. The melody the man hummed echoed faintly in his mind, intertwining with the stillness of the air.
"You knew him," Solstice said, breaking the silence.
The Watcher glanced at him. "I know many who pass through the Threshold. Silas is… a remnant, like this place."
"A remnant?" Solstice asked, frowning. "You speak of him like he's not entirely alive."
She tilted her head, considering her words carefully. "He is alive… and yet not. The Threshold takes pieces of those who linger too long, reshaping them into something… different. Silas is what remains when the world forgets you."
The explanation sent a chill through Solstice, but he swallowed his unease. "And what does that mean for me? For us?"
"That depends on your will," the Watcher said, her tone unyielding. "The Threshold is a reflection. It twists what lies inside you, magnifies it, and then devours the weak."
Solstice clenched his jaw, the weight of her words sinking in. "Then it won't have me."
The Watcher didn't respond but offered a small, approving nod.
As they rounded a corner, the ruins opened into a wide plaza. At the center stood a massive obelisk, its surface inscribed with glowing runes that pulsed faintly like a dying heartbeat. Surrounding it were shattered statues, their faces worn smooth by time, their postures caught mid-motion as if frozen in despair.
"What is this place?" Solstice asked, his voice hushed.
"The Square of Echoes," the Watcher said, her gaze fixed on the obelisk. "It is said to hold the memories of those who came before us, preserved in stone."
"Memories?" Solstice stepped closer to the obelisk, the runes drawing him in. The closer he got, the louder a faint murmur became, like a thousand voices speaking at once.
The Watcher's hand shot out, gripping his arm tightly. "Do not touch it."
He froze, glancing back at her. "Why?"
"The Echoes are not kind," she said. "They show you what you seek—but not without cost. Your mind may not survive their truth."
Solstice hesitated, his curiosity warring with her warning. Before he could decide, a voice called out from the shadows.
"Well, well. Another fool tempted by the Obelisk."
Solstice spun, his hand on his sword, as a figure emerged from the rubble. This one was different from Silas. Where Silas had been draped in tattered robes, this man was clad in mismatched armor, a rusted blade slung over his back. His face was sharp and weathered, with an easy smirk that didn't quite reach his cold, calculating eyes.
"Who are you?" Solstice demanded.
The man spread his arms in mock greeting. "A survivor. Like you, I'd wager. Name's Draven."
The Watcher's eyes narrowed. "You have no business here, Draven."
"Ah, but isn't that the charm of this place?" Draven said, his smirk widening. "No rules. No boundaries. Just survival."
Solstice stepped forward, his hand tightening on his sword. "What do you want?"
Draven chuckled, his gaze flicking between Solstice and the Watcher. "Relax, kid. I'm just passing through. Though I have to admit…" His eyes lingered on the obelisk. "That thing's a beauty, isn't it? So much power in one place. Shame it's wasted on ruins."
"Leave," the Watcher said, her voice cold. "This is not your path."
Draven tilted his head, his smirk fading slightly. "Funny. I don't recall asking for permission."
The tension in the air thickened, and Solstice could feel the weight of an impending conflict. Draven's casual demeanor didn't hide the predator beneath, and Solstice knew better than to underestimate him.
"Fine," Draven said after a moment, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I'll go. But a bit of advice for you, kid." He pointed to the obelisk. "Be careful what you wish for. This place has a way of giving it to you… and making you regret it."
With that, Draven turned and disappeared into the shadows, his footsteps fading into the distance.
Solstice exhaled, realizing he'd been holding his breath. "Who was that?"
"A scavenger," the Watcher said, her tone grim. "They are drawn to the Threshold like vultures to a carcass. He is dangerous, Solstice. Do not trust him."
"I don't plan to," Solstice muttered, his gaze lingering on the direction Draven had gone.
The Watcher's attention returned to the obelisk. "Come. We must move quickly. This place attracts more than just scavengers."
Reluctantly, Solstice tore his gaze away from the obelisk and followed her. But as they left the plaza, he couldn't shake the feeling that the Obelisk of Echoes had seen him… and that it wasn't done with him yet.