Ryan, Kate, and the strange young man moved through narrow, twisting streets until they reached an old underground station. The lights flickered weakly, and the rails were covered in vines that looked more like veins than plants.
"This place is called the Underline," the stranger said. "It's the only place the Hollow Court doesn't fully control."
Ryan kept his voice low. "You still haven't told us your name."
The young man hesitated, then answered, "Call me Vale."
Kate looked around nervously. "Who exactly is this Hollow Court?"
Vale leaned against a cracked pillar. "They rule this city from the shadows. They deal with spirits, trapped memories, and anything that escapes the Loom. If Lucien is here, they'll know."
Ryan stiffened. "Lucien survived the Loom collapse?"
Vale gave him a sad smile. "Nothing that dangerous dies easily."
The station suddenly went cold. A distant whistle echoed, though no train moved. Vale's face paled.
"They've found us," he whispered.
From the darkness of the tunnel, figures began to appear tall, thin shapes with glowing white eyes. Their bodies flickered like broken projections.
Kate grabbed Ryan's arm. "What are they?"
"Hollow agents," Vale said. "Run."
They sprinted through the old station, dodging fallen debris as the ghostly figures glided after them. Ryan felt the diary heating in his jacket, as if responding to the threat.
They burst through a metal door and slammed it shut behind them. Vale turned the locks with shaking hands.
"That's only a delay," he said. "Not safety."
Ryan took a breath. "Then where do we find safety?"
Vale pointed toward an old service tunnel. "At the center of the city. There's someone who can help someone who knows more about the reincarnation cycle than anyone alive."
Kate raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
Vale swallowed hard. "The Oracle."