The journey to the Sanctum of Echoes was fraught with an oppressive silence that mirrored the weight in Hu Jun's chest. Reyna led the way, her steps confident yet cautious as if expecting an ambush at any moment. Hu Jun trailed behind, clutching the map tightly. The Keeper's words echoed in his mind: Trust no one, and guard your heart well.
The forest seemed alive with whispers, its shadows lengthening as the two pushed deeper into its heart. The map's directions guided them to a winding path carved into a sheer cliff. Below, a river roared, its violent current threatening to swallow anything that fell into its embrace. The path was narrow, barely wide enough for one person to walk safely.
"We'll have to go one at a time," Reyna said, her voice carrying over the rushing water. "I'll go first."
Hu Jun nodded, gesturing for her to proceed. He watched as she moved carefully along the ledge, her balance unwavering. When she reached the other side, she turned and motioned for him to follow.
As Hu Jun stepped onto the precarious path, he kept his gaze forward, refusing to look at the treacherous drop below. His thoughts wandered to Reyna. She had been by his side since this ordeal began, guiding him through danger after danger. But the Keeper's warning gnawed at him. Trust no one.
He was nearly across when a sharp sound snapped him from his thoughts—the unmistakable clang of a blade being drawn.
"Hu Jun," Reyna's voice called out, steady and cold. "Stop where you are."
He froze, his heart pounding. Slowly, he raised his eyes to meet hers. She stood at the edge of the cliff, her sword drawn and pointed directly at him.
"What are you doing?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
Reyna's expression was unreadable, but her grip on the weapon was firm. "I didn't want it to come to this, but you've left me no choice."
"What are you talking about?"
"The bloodline," she said, her voice bitter. "Do you have any idea what it's cost the world? What it's cost me? People like you… people like him… you bring nothing but ruin."
Hu Jun's mind raced. "You're working with them, aren't you? The ones who attacked us."
Reyna's eyes flashed with anger. "They're not my allies, but they're right about one thing: your bloodline needs to end. The power you carry will destroy everything if it's left unchecked."
"I didn't ask for this," Hu Jun shot back, his voice rising. "You think I want to be some pawn in a war I don't even understand?"
"It doesn't matter what you want," she said, stepping closer. "The world's better off without you."
Hu Jun's grip tightened on the map. He took a cautious step back, his heel brushing the edge of the narrow path. Below him, the river roared, a deadly reminder of the stakes.
"Reyna," he said, his voice softer now. "I trusted you. You saved my life. Why would you do that if you planned to kill me?"
Her expression faltered for a brief moment, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. "Because…" She hesitated, then shook her head. "Because I thought I could change my mind. I thought you might be different. But you're not. You're just like him."
"Who?" Hu Jun pressed. "Who are you talking about?"
"The Betrayer," she spat. "Your ancestor. The man who unleashed chaos on this world and left the rest of us to pick up the pieces. You may not want his legacy, but it doesn't matter. You can't escape it."
Hu Jun felt a surge of anger rise within him. "If you're so sure I'm a threat, then why hesitate? If you're going to kill me, just do it."
Reyna's grip on her sword wavered, her knuckles turning white. For a moment, she looked like she might lower her weapon. Then her eyes hardened.
"Goodbye, Hu Jun," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
She lunged.
Hu Jun's reflexes took over. He threw himself to the side, narrowly avoiding the blade. The movement sent him off balance, and he felt himself slipping toward the edge. Desperately, he grabbed at the rocky ledge, his fingers scraping against the jagged surface.
"Reyna, stop!" he shouted, his voice echoing over the canyon.
But she advanced, her sword raised. Before she could strike again, a deafening crack split the air. The cliff beneath her feet gave way, crumbling into the river below. Reyna's eyes widened in shock as she fell, her scream swallowed by the roaring water.
Hu Jun scrambled back onto the solid path, his chest heaving. He crawled to the edge and peered down, but there was no sign of her, only the churning rapids below.
He sat back, his mind racing. Reyna's betrayal was a wound deeper than any blade could inflict. She had been his guide, his ally. Now, she was his enemy—or perhaps worse, a victim of her own convictions.
As the sun began to rise, casting a pale light over the ravine, Hu Jun stood. He unfolded the map with trembling hands. The Sanctum of Echoes was still far ahead, but now he was truly alone.
And the shadows were closing in.