The eastern woods were different it was quieter and older.
The trees twisted like reaching hands, their roots crawling over stone like veins. The sunlight barely touched the ground here — everything felt suspended in time.
Even the birds didn't sing.
Aria walked ahead, her cloak brushing against wet leaves. Rael and Lysander followed behind in silence, letting her lead without question.
They came to a small clearing.
In the middle stood a crumbling stone hut — wrapped in vines, roof almost caved in, but something about it shimmered slightly in the air, like magic breathing through its walls.
Lysander nodded this is the place Aria stepped forward as she raised her hand to knock, the wooden door creaked open… on its own.
---
Inside, the scent of herbs and smoke filled the air candles burned low. Runes were carved into the floor. Hanging charms dangled from the ceiling, spinning gently with no wind.
In the center sat a woman wrapped in black lace and bone jewelry. Her face was hidden behind a thin silver veil you brought the girl," she said her voice was rasped, old… but not weak.I came on my own,Aria said quietly.
The Seer tilted her head of course you did, child of echoes Aria froze what did you call me?
The Seer stood slowly, walking in a slow circle around her.
You wear a moon that remembers, she whispered a stone that bites liars you don't need to ask who you are you already know deep down
---
Aria's breath caught behind her, Rael shifted nervously. Lysander remained still.
The Seer reached out a thin, wrinkled hand.
May I?she asked.
Aria nodded and took the pendant out from under her cloak.
The Seer didn't touch it. She only held her hand near.
The moonstone pulsed once — soft, silver light swirling gently in the dark room.
Pure,she whipere now let him touch it
She gestured at Lysander
Lysander blinked why me?
Because it listens to truth we will see if your touch calms it… or burns it.
Slowly, Lysander stepped forward.
Aria looked at him once — then unwrapped the chain and placed it in his palm.
The stone glowed.
Brighter.
Brighter still.
But not harsh. Not cold.
The light warmed the air. It shimmered like moonlight on water.
The Seer smiled faintly. "It accepts him."
Rael looked away.
---
Aria took the pendant back and fastened it again around her neck.
Her heart was racing, though she didn't know why.
Why is it doing this?she asked why does it reject one and accept the other?
The Seer stepped back toward the firepit and dropped a bundle of dried leaves into the flames. Smoke rose — thick and green.
Because you are close to remembering,she said closer than you think.
Aria moved forward, her voice shaking slightly tell me who left me behind.
I can't, the Seer said but I can tell you this…
The smoke rose higher.
Your soul was once whole then it broke in two. One half burned and One half ran
Which one stayed?Aria whispered.
The Seer turned toward her.
Neither.
---
The room grew cold.
Rael stepped back,Lysander's hand gripped his blade without drawing it.
Aria took a step forward. "What do you mean?
The Seer raised a bony finger, pointing at Aria's chest — the pendant.
This chose you not for what you are but for what you were and what you must become again
---
The flames flickered out.
The room dimmed.
The Seer sat down slowly when the veil breaks… and the last memory returns… you must choose
Choose what? Aria asked.
The Seer smiled beneath her veil who to forgive.
---
Outside, the sky was darkening.
As they stepped back into the forest, Aria said nothing.
Neither did the men.
But all three of them felt it…Something old had woken up.
Something inside her.
And it would not go back to sleep.
---
💫 Author's Note:
> Chapter 18 brings magic, truth, and a quiet warning 🌕
The Seer doesn't tell Aria everything — but what she does say will change the story from here.
💬 Question for you:
What do you think the Seer meant by "one half burned… one half ran"?
And which one do you think deserves forgiveness?
📚 Add this book to your collection so you don't miss what Aria remembers next my dear readers