The Ashen Hollow grew darker as Ravok and Lara pressed deeper into its fractured heart. The air was heavier here, saturated with unstable energy that seemed to vibrate just beneath the surface of their skin. Every breath felt charged, as though the Hollow itself was alive and watching.
Behind them, faint echoes of distant roars and shifting stone served as a grim reminder: they were not alone.
---
The Looming Threat
"This place gets worse the deeper you go," Lara muttered, her voice low but sharp. She glanced at Ravok, her hands resting on the hilts of her daggers. "We need to pick up the pace. If those beasts catch us in the open, we're done."
"They won't," Ravok replied, his tone calm. He scanned the ruins ahead, his crimson eyes catching faint glimmers of movement in the mist. "If they follow, we'll make them regret it."
Lara gave a short laugh. "Confident, aren't you?"
"Confident enough to survive," Ravok said, his voice laced with certainty.
As they moved, Ravok felt the unease growing. His instincts, honed over centuries in his previous life, whispered of danger—something more intelligent than the mindless beasts they'd been warned about. The shadows in the mist felt deliberate, as though they were being watched by something that understood far more than it should.
---
The Ambush
They reached a wide-open courtyard surrounded by broken columns. The area was eerily quiet, the mist curling around the ruins like ghostly tendrils. At the center of the courtyard lay the remains of a shattered statue, its stone fragments scattered across the ground.
"We should avoid open spaces," Lara said, her voice tense.
"We don't have a choice," Ravok replied, stepping forward. His eyes swept over the courtyard, noting the uneven terrain and potential hiding spots among the rubble. "Stay close. Watch the shadows."
They crossed the courtyard slowly, their footsteps muffled by the thick mist. Ravok's senses remained sharp, every sound and movement feeding into his calculation. But it wasn't enough to stop what came next.
A sudden roar tore through the silence, followed by the thunderous pounding of heavy footsteps. Ravok's eyes snapped to the side as a massive shape burst from the mist—a hulking beast with obsidian-like scales and glowing, fiery eyes. Its claws scraped against the ground, leaving deep gouges in the stone.
Lara cursed under her breath, already moving. "What is that thing?!"
"Trouble," Ravok said simply. His mind raced as he analyzed the creature's movements. Its size was imposing, but its speed was what concerned him. It moved with a predator's grace, its glowing eyes fixed on them with terrifying focus.
---
The Plan
The beast roared again, its guttural sound echoing off the ruins as it charged. Lara darted to the side, her movements swift and precise, while Ravok stood his ground, his crimson eyes locked on the creature.
"What are you doing?!" Lara shouted. "Move!"
"Distract it," Ravok said, his voice calm. "Get it to the rubble. I'll handle the rest."
"Handle it?! Are you insane?"
Ravok didn't answer. He crouched low, his dagger glinting faintly as he studied the terrain. The shattered statue pieces scattered across the courtyard gave him an idea—a trap, if he could time it perfectly.
Lara gritted her teeth but followed his command, moving to the side and throwing one of her daggers at the beast. The blade struck its thick hide, bouncing harmlessly off, but the attack drew the creature's attention.
It turned with a snarl, its fiery eyes narrowing as it lunged toward her. Lara weaved between the rubble, her movements fluid as she kept just out of reach. The beast's claws tore through stone, scattering debris in every direction.
---
The Trap is Sprung
Ravok moved quickly, positioning himself near the largest fragment of the shattered statue. He gripped the edge, testing its weight, and then called out.
"Lara! Now!"
She responded instantly, diving to the side just as the beast turned toward Ravok. The creature charged, its massive claws scraping against the ground as it closed the distance in seconds.
But Ravok was ready.
At the last moment, he rolled to the side, his hand gripping the statue fragment and pulling it down with all his strength. The massive piece of stone tumbled forward, catching the beast off guard. It slammed into the creature's side with a deafening crash, sending it sprawling across the ground.
Ravok didn't hesitate. He darted forward, his dagger flashing as he drove it into the beast's exposed neck. The creature roared, its movements slowing as dark blood poured from the wound.
Lara appeared beside him, her daggers striking with precision as she finished the job. The beast gave one final shudder before collapsing, its glowing eyes dimming as it went still.
---
Aftermath
The courtyard fell silent once more, save for the sound of Ravok and Lara catching their breath. Ravok wiped the blood from his dagger, his expression calm despite the tension still thrumming through his body.
"Well," Lara said, her voice tight. "That was… effective."
"It worked," Ravok replied simply, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of additional threats. "But we need to move. That roar will attract others."
Lara nodded, though her gaze lingered on him for a moment. "You don't fight like the others. There's something… different about you."
Ravok smirked faintly. "Different is what keeps me alive."
They moved quickly, leaving the courtyard behind as they disappeared into the mist once more. But even as the ruins swallowed them, Ravok couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched—not by beasts, but by something far worse.
---
The Watching Eyes
High above, perched on the remains of a crumbled spire, a figure watched the scene unfold. Clad in dark robes that seemed to blend with the shadows, the figure's eyes gleamed with an unnatural light.
"So, the cursed one still has some fight left in him," the figure murmured, their voice low and cold. "This trial may be more interesting than I thought."
The figure turned, disappearing into the mist as the echoes of their soft laughter faded into the Hollow.