The Heart of Oblivion: Book One of Ryunara Rising by Hans Mann

Author:Hans Mann [Mann, Hans]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-10-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 27

A Bond in Shadows

(Naeryn)

Naeryn stood at the very edge of Draikar Hollow, where the ground gave way to a vast chasm of swirling shadows. The air was heavy, thick with energy that hummed around her, stirring the loose strands of her dark hair as if trying to pull her deeper into the abyss. Her cloak billowed slightly in the unnatural wind, but it wasn’t the elements that weighed on her; it was the crushing responsibility she bore, a burden that had only grown heavier as time dragged on.

Behind her, the campfire crackled softly in the distance, its warm glow a far-off memory in the cold darkness of the Hollow. But her focus was not on the others, not even on Kyran, though she could feel his presence like a distant echo in her chest, tied to her through their Soulweave. She had grown accustomed to the rhythm of his heart aligning with hers, the constant hum of their connection like a song in the background of her mind.

But tonight, that connection felt like a chain. A tether she had to sever, if only temporarily. Naeryn’s hand rested on the cool hilt of her dagger, fingers tracing the intricate runes carved into its blade, and she took a deep breath. This was not a decision she had made lightly. Kyran would never forgive her for it, not fully. And yet, she knew it was the only way to protect him from the path she was about to walk.

She turned slowly, her eyes finding him through the dim light. Kyran stood a short distance away, his posture tense, his arms crossed over his chest as if he were shielding himself from the chill of the Hollow—or perhaps, from her. His silvered eyes glinted in the faint light, his face creased with concern. He had always been able to sense when something was wrong, even before they had bound their souls together in the ancient ritual. Now, that connection made her every emotion transparent to him. And that was exactly why she had to do this.

“Naeryn?” Kyran’s voice broke the silence, low and laced with an edge of worry. He uncrossed his arms, taking a step closer, his brow furrowing. “What’s wrong? You’ve been distant all evening.”

Naeryn remained still for a moment, trying to compose her thoughts. She had prepared for this conversation in her mind countless times, yet now, standing here, she found herself grasping for words. How could she explain this to him? How could she make him understand that this was for his own good, even if it felt like betrayal?

“I need you to trust me,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, though it carried in the stillness of the Hollow. Her hand moved from the dagger to her chest, where she could feel the faint pulse of their shared bond, the Soulweave. The very thing she was about to silence.

Kyran’s frown deepened, his eyes narrowing as he stepped closer, closing the distance between them. “Of course I trust you, but.

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