Chapter 15 – The Awakening of Ershem
The rain showed no signs of stopping, but inside the house, the atmosphere had thickened, almost tangible, as if every particle of air were soaked with forgotten memories and ancient fear.
Rei remained on the hallway floor, his gaze fixed on an invisible point, while Yuki tried to support him, unsure if he could hold him beyond the present moment. The ancient scream still echoed through the walls, a twisted melody weaving threads between past and present.
Noah emerged from the tunnel, covered in dust and mud, breathing heavily. When his eyes met Rei's, he knew something had changed forever.
"Ershem…" Noah whispered. "It's not just a legend. It's real. And it's here."
At that moment, the lights flickered with unexpected fury. Shadows in the corners stretched, taking shapes that were both human and monstrous.
"We have to find a way to stop it," Yuki said, a new determination in his voice. "Before this house becomes its prison forever."
Rei slowly raised his head, and though his eyes were tired, there was a spark speaking of fight, of resistance.
"We're not alone," he whispered. "But not everyone here wants to help us."
A heavy silence settled in the house as the storm outside raged on, as if the very sky wanted to tear the truth hidden beneath that cursed earth.