The Crimson Hollow was a depression in the earth — not a valley, but a wound, ringed by jagged black rock and filled with low crimson mist that glowed like dying embers.
Miko and Kael reached it at twilight — after two days of hard travel, avoiding Mistborn patrols and small rift spawn packs.
The seal pulsed — slow, heavy.
Home.
Miko stopped at the rim.
The mist swirled — forming faint shapes: faces, hands, reaching.
The voices were louder now — not just words.
Feelings.
Hunger.
Longing.
Power.
Miko felt dizzy — head spinning, vision blurring at the edges.
Kael caught her arm.
"Miko."
She shook her head.
"It's… calling me."
Kael's voice was low.
"Don't listen."
Miko looked at him.
"I can't not listen."
They descended — careful, ropes tied between them.
The mist thickened — cold, clinging.
At the bottom — the ground was smooth, almost glassy.
In the center — a small pool of crimson liquid.
Not water.
Blood.
The seal flared — hot, eager.
Drink.
Miko staggered — dizziness hitting hard.
The voices screamed.
Drink.
Become.
Free.
She stepped forward.
Kael pulled her back.
"No."
Miko fought — pushing against the pull.
The seal surged — power flooding her veins.
Crimson light leaked from her eyes.
Kael held her tighter.
"Stay with me."
Miko clenched her teeth.
No.
The voices quieted — sulky.
The mist receded — slightly.
Miko exhaled — shaky.
"I almost… drank."
Kael's grip didn't loosen.
"But you didn't."
Miko looked at the pool.
"It wanted me to."
Kael's voice was quiet.
"It always wants more."
Miko nodded.
"We need to leave."
They climbed out — slow, careful.
At the rim — the seal pulsed — once, patient.
Next time.
Miko ignored it.
But she felt it.
Stronger.
Louder.
Closer.