Chapter 311 — Bonds in the Hollow
The Hollow had grown louder in Kael's absence. With the return of Rogan, Varik, and Zerathis, nearly two hundred freed souls now walked the streets—some dazed, some grieving, many overwhelmed. They were given food, clothes, and medical care, but their future was now the council's burden to decide.
Inside the council hall, the mood was heavy but purposeful. Rogan stood first, his broad shoulders squared.
"These people aren't soldiers," he said, his gravelly voice cutting through the low murmurs. "But they know hard work. Put them in the fields, the forges, the mines. Let them earn their place with their hands, not their blades."
Varik leaned forward, arms crossed. "Some will want to fight. I saw it in their eyes. Men and women who've lost everything to slavers and the Church. We'd be fools not to train those who choose that path."
Selina tapped her clawed fingers on the table. "Both are true. And with time, both can serve us. But what matters most is loyalty. People given freedom don't always know where to place it. We must make them see the Hollow as their home, not just a refuge."
Zerathis had remained quiet, listening. At last, he spoke, his voice calm, steady. "When we stormed those outposts, none of them trusted us. They thought we were another chain in disguise. It was Kael's order that gave them choice. That is why they followed us here. Remember that. If you wish them loyal, give them reason to believe they are not tools, but family."
Silence followed his words, and each council member felt the weight of them. It was Rogan who finally nodded. "You've proven yourself, Zerathis. Not just in battle, but here. Loyal to Kael, loyal to us. That matters."
Varik smirked faintly. "Aye. Fierce in a fight, sharper in thought. You've earned my respect, at least."
Even Selina's ever-critical gaze softened. "I'll admit, I misjudged you. You've done more than follow orders—you've lived by them."
The discussion shifted after that, each member laying out tasks: Rogan to oversee the physical laborers, Varik to begin training volunteers, Selina to manage integration and supply. By the end, the council found itself in rare agreement, bound together not by Kael's presence, but by his trust in them.
When the meeting adjourned, the Hollow slowly returned to its rhythm.
Within the healer's quarters, the air smelled of herbs and candle smoke. Azhara lay propped up on her bed, her body still weak from the toll of her sacrifice. Her pale skin glistened with sweat, but her eyes were clear, watching as Lyria wrung out a cloth and laid it gently across her brow.
"You shouldn't be here all the time," Azhara murmured. "You've duties. The Hollow needs you."
"The Hollow needs you more," Lyria replied, her tone sharper than she intended. She softened, brushing strands of silver hair from Azhara's face. "And I need you."
Azhara blinked, startled by the rawness in Lyria's voice. For a long moment, neither spoke. The flicker of the lantern painted shadows on the walls, leaving only the two of them in the quiet warmth of the room.
"You've carried too much," Lyria whispered, her hand lingering on Azhara's cheek. "Always giving, always bleeding for others. Let someone carry you, for once."
Tears welled in Azhara's eyes, her lips trembling. "I thought… I thought I might not wake again. And I regretted it—not for the pain, not for the choice I made—but for leaving you without saying…" Her voice faltered, breaking.
Lyria leaned closer, pressing her forehead to Azhara's. "Say it now. While we still have time."
Azhara closed her eyes, her breath shaky. "I love you, Lyria."
The words hung in the air like fragile glass, and Lyria's own heart surged. She kissed her softly, tenderly, as if sealing a vow. When she pulled back, her own voice shook.
"Then live. Live, so I can say it back every day."
Azhara smiled through her tears, her hand clutching Lyria's. For the first time since the battle, the Hollow's pain felt less heavy, its shadows less dark.
And though Kael was far away, the bonds of those he trusted most were only growing stronger.