The Fractured Alliance

Chapter 16: The Fractured Alliance

The dim, flickering light of the campfire cast long shadows across the forest clearing. Ethan sat silently, staring at the flames as they danced, his mind replaying the events of the past week. Every step forward seemed to lead to more questions, more pain. The Codex's glow, once a source of awe, now felt ominous. Its power was growing, and so were the visions—cryptic flashes of destruction, betrayal, and an entity that loomed larger with each passing day.

Selene approached him, her usually sharp demeanor softened. "You can't carry this alone, Ethan," she said, sitting beside him. "We're in this together."

Ethan glanced at her, the firelight reflecting in his weary eyes. "Are we? After Aria's betrayal, after what Kaden said... I'm not even sure who to trust anymore."

Kaden, standing a few feet away sharpening his blade, heard the comment but said nothing. The tension between them had been palpable since the argument earlier that day. Kaden had accused Ethan of being too naive, too trusting—traits that had nearly cost them their lives when Aria revealed her true motives.

Before Selene could respond, a rustling in the bushes snapped them all to attention. Kaden was on his feet in an instant, blade drawn. Ethan felt the Codex hum to life, its power simmering beneath his skin.

From the shadows emerged a man, his hands raised in surrender. "Easy there," he said, his voice calm yet laced with urgency. "I'm not here to fight."

The man stepped closer, revealing himself to be middle-aged, with unkempt hair and a patched-up jacket. "Dr. Calder," he introduced himself. "I believe you've been looking for me."

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