Chereads / No Path but the Void / Chapter 122 - A Whisper in the Ash

Chapter 122 - A Whisper in the Ash

Zami walked onward, his steps steady and purposeful, the desolation of the broken land stretching endlessly before him. The faint echoes of his boots crunching on brittle earth were the only sounds, accompanied by the ever-present weight of the girl's silent gaze.

But then, he felt it—a faint tug at his tattered cloak. He stopped, his sharp senses immediately alert, and turned around.

The girl stood there, her small hand clutching the edge of his cloak with a trembling grip. Her black eyes, empty and emotionless moments ago, now held a faint glimmer of something—fear, or perhaps desperation.

For a moment, neither spoke. Zami's cold, silver eyes met hers, unblinking.

And then, in a voice barely above a whisper, she spoke.

"I need help."

Her tone was soft, almost fragile, like a leaf caught in the wind. It was the first time she had spoken, her words hanging in the air like a ripple breaking the stillness.

Zami tilted his head slightly, studying her with his usual detached demeanor. Her pale fingers trembled as they held his cloak, yet she didn't let go.

"What kind of help?" he asked, his voice low and measured, the weight of his years etched into every word.

The girl didn't answer immediately. Instead, she looked down, her small horns catching the faint, dull light. She seemed to struggle, as if the act of speaking was foreign to her.

"...They're coming," she finally whispered, her voice quivering. "They're looking for me."

Zami's brows furrowed slightly, though his expression remained calm. "Who is 'they'?"

Again, silence. The girl glanced around nervously, her black eyes scanning the broken landscape as if expecting something—or someone—to emerge from the shadows.

Zami followed her gaze, his senses extending outward. The air felt heavier, more oppressive, as if the land itself held its breath.

"Are they monsters?" he asked, his voice steady.

The girl nodded slowly, her grip tightening on his cloak.

Zami's hand rested on the hilt of his katana, his fingers brushing against the symbols etched into the blade. He didn't trust her completely—she wasn't human, that much was certain—but her fear felt real, and his instincts warned him not to dismiss her so easily.

"If they're after you," he said, his voice calm but firm, "then tell me why. What are you?"

The girl hesitated, her small frame trembling under his unrelenting gaze. "...I don't know," she whispered.

Zami exhaled, his breath visible in the cold, stagnant air. He didn't press further; there was no point if she truly didn't know. Instead, he straightened, his silver eyes scanning the horizon once more.

"Stay close," he said simply, his tone leaving no room for argument. "If they come, I'll deal with them."

The girl's eyes widened slightly, her expression softening for the first time. She nodded, her grip loosening on his cloak but not letting go entirely.

As they continued forward, Zami's thoughts lingered on her cryptic words. Whatever was after her, he would find out soon enough. And if they were foolish enough to stand in his way, he would do what he always did—cut them down.