The council chamber emptied slowly as the last echoes of fear drifted away. Daniel remained standing in the center long after the nobles left his breathing deep and steady as he forced the remnants of the Echo’s influence out of his thoughts. The regent placed a hand on the back of a chair and leaned forward with the weight of an entire kingdom pressing on him. You stopped them he said quietly. Or at least slowed them.

Elara stood at Daniel’s side her eyes sharp and alert watching the shadows as if expecting one to move again. The demon envoy crossed his arms studying Daniel with a mixture of respect and caution. You are strong in ways I do not understand he said. But strength also draws attention. The Echo now sees you as a threat.

Daniel finally turned from the hall. Let them see. It means we struck a nerve.

They left the chamber walking through the quiet corridors. The stone walls seemed colder than usual as if the fear earlier had seeped into them. Outside the hall the city was restless. People moved in small clusters whispering to each other about the strange events at the council. Some looked hopeful. Others looked terrified.

Elara exhaled. Word spreads fast. By morning every tavern will be talking about shadows in the council chamber.

Daniel read the tension passing through the streets. They needed more than rumors. They needed guidance before fear twisted the story again.

He spoke softly We need to stay visible. People trust what they can see. If they see humans and demons walking together they will start believing the truth before the Echo can twist it.

The demon envoy nodded after a moment. Then I will remain in the city. My presence will anger some. But it will also show unity.

Daniel turned to Elara. And the demon child. She must stay protected. Any attempt to silence her will push the Echo’s plan forward.

Elara agreed and placed a hand on his arm. Daniel you have been holding everyone else together since you arrived. When do you rest.

He gave her a faint smile. When the world learns how to breathe again.

But that night no one slept.

Daniel lay awake on the small bed in the guest chamber the candle beside him flickering as if nervous. His thoughts churned with images he could not dismiss. Shadows in the council. Memories the Echo had tried to force into him. Voices that were not his own.

He closed his eyes trying to breathe through the rising tension. But the moment he drifted near sleep a faint whisper brushed his mind. Not loud. Not violent. Just enough to pull him back into wakefulness.

Why do you fight us Daniel Harris

Daniel sat up quickly heart racing. His eyes darted around the room but saw nothing. The voice continued like smoke threading through his thoughts. Fear is natural. Fear keeps order. Fear keeps balance. Without fear your world destroys itself.

Daniel steadied his breath. You are not fear. You are manipulation.

The whisper deepened. We are what your kind created. Centuries of war. Centuries of grief. Centuries of hatred. We did not make these things. You did. We only gave them shape.

Daniel clenched his fists. You use fear because you have nothing else.

The voice curled around his mind. And you try to heal fear because you fear it yourself. You fear failing those who trust you. You fear losing those you care for. You fear seeing this world fall because you could not hold it together.

Daniel’s chest tightened. The Echo had found the cracks inside him. They were pushing. Testing. Searching for something they could use.

He forced his voice steady. You cannot use my fear against me. I know it too well.

The whisper faded for a moment then returned softer than before. You cannot save everyone Daniel Harris. You never could.

Then silence.

Daniel slumped against the wall breathing heavily. The Echo had not attacked with force. They had attacked with truth. Or pieces of truth twisted into something sharp.

A soft knock came from the door. Daniel opened it to see Elara standing there her eyes tired but alert. I felt something she said. Like the air shifted. Are you alright.

Daniel hesitated then nodded slowly. They tried to reach me. Through thoughts.

Elara stepped inside immediately closing the door behind her. Then they know your weakness. She placed a hand on his shoulder. You cannot face them alone. Even you have limits.

He gave a weary smile. I know.

They sat on the floor against the wall letting the candle flicker between them. Elara spoke softly The Echo pushed illusions at the council. But tonight they tried something different. They tried subtle fear. The kind that sinks deep.

Daniel nodded. They are preparing for something bigger.

Elara leaned her head back against the wall looking at him with a calm seriousness. Then tomorrow we plan. Not for shadows. For the ones who will break if we do nothing.

Daniel looked at her and felt the steadiness of her presence. Her quiet strength. Her refusal to let fear decide things.

He whispered Thank you.

Elara smiled faintly. Try to sleep. I will guard the door.

Daniel lay down again but sleep never fully claimed him. The Echo’s whisper remained in the corner of his thoughts like a stranger watching from a darkened room.

Tomorrow would be worse.
And he knew the Echo would not wait long before striking again.