The voice disappeared. For several seconds, Rin heard nothing except his own breathing.
Eryndor stood a few steps below him, staring into the darkness of the staircase.
"How does it know my name?"
Rin looked at him.
He didn't know what to say. He couldn't tell Eryndor that he wasn't truly Aelion. He couldn't explain the voice inside his mind, either. Aelion was the only one who knew the truth, and now even he was silent.
Rin closed his eyes.
Aelion?
Nothing.
Aelion, answer me.
Still nothing. That frightened Rin more than the mysterious voice had.
Usually, Aelion always responded, even if all he had to offer was a warning or a memory. Now there was only silence.
"Rin?"
Eryndor's voice pulled him back.
"I'm fine."
"You don't look fine."
"I just don't understand this place."
Eryndor glanced down the staircase.
"Neither do I."
He hesitated before continuing downward.
"We should keep going."
