## **CHAPTER 16 – The Past That Remains*

*

The names in the archives Zofia had uncovered began to form a story she had previously considered a legend. It turned out that her ancestors – along with the families of the newly discovered surnames – were among those who had formed the Skalin Circle. However, no one spoke of this in modern times, as if the events of past generations had been deliberately erased from the residents' memories.

In one of the journals, she found a fragment describing a protective ritual performed on the night of the solstice. "To prevent the city from awakening" – this repeated phrase. Zofia realized that her return to Skalin was no accident.

She recalled conversations with her father before he died in a mysterious accident. He had spoken of the "burden of family" and "secrets that can pierce you like a blade." She hadn't understood then. Now she knew: everything was coming back.

---

## **CHAPTER 17 – Those Who Still Live**

Among the list of names, Zofia found a familiar one: **Nowiński**. She remembered her old friend from school – Jakub Nowiński. Always silent, he avoided conversation, like a shadow. She hadn't seen him on the streets of Skalin for years, as if he'd suddenly disappeared into the earth.

She decided to find him.

On her way to the Nowińskis' house, she noticed the door was slightly ajar. She entered cautiously. The interior was dim, and the air smelled of damp and dust. Books lay open on the table, and right next to them – Jakub's writing.

"If you're reading this – it means you know. Remember, not everyone died. Some managed to escape."

Zofia felt a shiver.

Was Jakub hiding from the same thing that was now beginning to threaten her?

---

## **CHAPTER 18 – When the Night Becomes a Witness**

Another night in Skalin was sticky and restless. Muffled cries could be heard in the distance, as if someone was calling for help, but the voice faded into the darkness. Despite her exhaustion, Zofia couldn't sleep.

From the window of her room, she saw a strange, bluish light flashing in the forest. She decided to leave. A lurking instinct was driving her toward the trees.

Deep in the forest, she came across what looked like an old campsite. Circles were carved into the ground, and a faint glow pulsated inside each one.

She wasn't alone.

Four figures emerged from the darkness. One of them she recognized as... Jakub.

--

## **CHAPTER 19 – Secrets That Cannot Be Hidden**

Jakub was pale, his eyes gleaming in the semi-darkness.

"I knew you'd come back," he said quietly. “The Circle doesn't forget.”

Zofia felt betrayal, pain, fear, and a strange sense of relief all at once.

“Where were you?” she asked.

“Hidden. I was followed. They were looking for me, but I managed to disappear. Now they're back because they know you're the key.”

They fell silent. He didn't need to specify who “they” were.

--

## **CHAPTER 20 – Awakening Is Not a Coincidence**

Janek appeared in the forest a moment later. He knew Zofia would go there – the runes guided him like a beacon.

When four silhouettes surrounded Zofia, she began to pulsate with light. She knew the runes were starting to activate in earnest.

Janek and Jakub looked at each other. Understanding dawned in their eyes – they were on the same side.

Zofia took a deep breath, feeling the darkness begin to envelop her.

“This is only the beginning,” she said. – We must find out the truth about our city.

--

## **CHAPTER 21 – Blood Echo**

The light pulsed faster and faster. The runes on the bodies began to glow so brightly that the forest vibrated in response.

From the depths of the darkness, a dull, inhuman scream rang out.

It wasn't a human scream.

Everyone froze, staring at the source of the sound.

Zofia shuddered. She felt a chill piercing her body.

Jakub looked at her seriously:

– He's waking up.

--

# 👉 The next chapters (22–28) will focus on:

* revealing the true "He"

* the first clash with the organization

* betrayal within the group

* the story of family sacrifice

* the climax of the entire chapter

* the ending, which leaves an earthquake

If you want – I'm writing **continue immediately**, just write:

**“Continue”**