The room was no longer the same.
The walls were covered with children's drawings, toys scattered across the floor.
On the bed sat a little girl, about six years old, her long brown hair falling over her shoulders as she colored with bright crayons.
— That's me again, Miria whispered.
— Yes, Asher murmured. We're moving forward in time.
The little Miria suddenly set down her crayon and crept to the door.
Curious, she peeked through the crack.
— Darell, don't go, pleaded Katrina's voice.
— I have no choice, the man replied, his voice breaking. I've discovered something… something that puts you and our daughter in danger.
The door opened slowly.
The little girl appeared, her eyes glistening.
— Daddy, are you leaving? Don't you love us anymore?
Time seemed to stop.
Darell knelt down, placing his hands gently on her small shoulders.
— I will never stop loving you, my treasure. But I have to go—to keep you both safe. Promise me one thing… protect your mother while I'm gone.
— I promise, Daddy, she said, trembling.
He kissed her forehead, hugged Katrina tightly, then left without looking back.
Miria covered her mouth, fighting back a sob.
Asher moved closer to comfort her—but suddenly, the ground shook beneath them.
— What's happening…?
The light flickered; cracks spread across the walls.
A thick mist rose around them, swallowing the scene.
When it faded, they were in the same room again—but it felt brighter, calmer.
Little Miria was drawing, peaceful, when a young woman entered: Elma.
— Your drawings are beautiful, sweetheart, Elma said warmly.
Then the doorbell rang.
— Stay here, okay?
She left. A few seconds later, her voice called out:
— Miria, come see who's here!
The girl ran to the door, smiling wide.
Asher and Miria followed—and froze at the sight.
— Daddy! You came back, just like you promised! the little Miria cried.
Miria's eyes widened in shock.
— This… this memory… I don't remember this.
— Exactly what I thought, said Asher. Part of your memory was erased.
Before they could say more, the mist swallowed them again.
They awoke with a jolt, gasping for breath.
They were back in the living room, drenched in sweat.
— I thought I'd lost you! Alix cried. You were convulsing, I tried everything to wake you!
Asher slowly sat up.
— It's okay, Alix. We're fine… And I think I finally know why she's having those visions.
— Why? Miria asked weakly.
— Her memory was sealed. Not completely, but large parts of her past were locked away.
Alix paled.
— By who?
— By your father, Asher said calmly. By Darell.
Miria shook her head in disbelief.
— No… he would never—
— He did. Asher's voice softened. He did it to protect you.
Alix and Miria exchanged stunned looks.
— Varek? Alix repeated.
— Yes. Darell befriended him—without knowing that man sought to steal the Grimoire. Darell erased your memory to keep you safe. But by doing so… he also sealed your powers.
Miria stood frozen, tears shining in her eyes.
— So all this time… I was living a lie?
— No, Asher whispered. You were living under the shadow of a love that protected you… even at the cost of memory.