Kael and Seren moved cautiously through the labyrinth of Lysoria's underground tunnels. The air was damp, the walls coated with grime, and the occasional flicker of failing lights cast eerie shadows. Seren's steps faltered as her weakened state became more apparent, her Echo—a dim ember of a phoenix—barely hovering beside her.
"We need to stop," Kael said, his voice firm.
"No," Seren replied, pushing forward. "The Council operatives could still be tracking us."
Kael sighed but didn't argue. Instead, he adjusted his pace, keeping an ear out for any sounds of pursuit.
---
An Unexpected Discovery
After several minutes of walking, they stumbled upon a hidden chamber tucked away behind a rusted door. Inside, they found remnants of old machinery and forgotten supplies. Kael helped Seren sit down on a crate, her breathing shallow.
"You're burning out," Kael said, noticing the faint flickers of her Echo.
"I'll recover," Seren muttered, though her voice wavered.
Kael frowned, glancing around the room. His mismatched eyes landed on a faded mural etched into the wall. It depicted humanoid figures surrounded by strange, swirling energies—something that looked eerily similar to his Void power.
"Ever seen something like this?" Kael asked.
Seren's gaze followed his, her eyes widening. "That's... that's ancient Echo lore. This place might've been tied to early Echo research."
Kael felt a strange pull toward the mural, his hand brushing against the faded carvings. For a brief moment, the Void within him stirred, sending a chill through his body.
---
Echo Council's Shadow
Their respite was short-lived. A faint hum resonated through the tunnels, growing louder. Kael turned sharply, his instincts flaring.
"They're here," he said, grabbing Seren's arm to help her up.
The chamber door burst open, and an Echo Council operative stepped in, their serpent Echo slithering toward Kael and Seren with lethal intent.
Kael's Void tendrils erupted instinctively, clashing with the serpent. The operative faltered, clearly unprepared for Kael's unnatural ability. Seren, mustering the last of her strength, unleashed a weak but precise burst of phoenix flames, forcing the operative to retreat.
"This way!" Kael shouted, pulling Seren deeper into the tunnels.
---
A Grim Revelation
After evading their pursuer, they collapsed in a hidden alcove. Seren's energy was nearly gone, and Kael felt the weight of his own exhaustion.
"We can't keep running like this," Seren said weakly. "The Council... they won't stop until they have us both."
Kael clenched his fists. "Then we'll find a way to fight back."
As they sat in the darkness, Seren looked at him with a mix of fear and curiosity. "Your power... it's not just dangerous. It's something the Council will kill for. We need to figure out what you are."
Kael nodded, determination hardening his gaze. "Then we start by finding answers—about the Council, about the Void, and why I'm like this."
For now, the depths of Lysoria would be their refuge, but the dangers above loomed closer with every passing moment.