The sky was a dull gray as they left the Seer's woods
The trees whispered less now, as though they'd shared too many secrets already. Each step felt heavier than the last — not from the road, but from the weight of what Aria had heard.
One half burned. One half ran. Neither stayed.
The words clung to her like wet leaves.
She walked slightly ahead of the others, her cloak damp from the mist. Her fingers brushed the pendant under her shirt — not seeking comfort this time, but control.
Rael was quiet behind her. Even Lysander didn't speak.
By sunset, they stopped near a tree blackened by age and lightning. The clearing was small, the air unusually still.
We'll rest here,Lysander said, dropping his pack,Rael didn't argue. Neither did Aria.
---
As the fire crackled, casting shadows across the forest floor, Aria sat apart — wrapped in her own thoughts. The pendant glowed faintly against her chest. It hadn't stopped humming since the Seer touched it.
Rael finally broke the silence I know you don't trust me anymore, he said softly, sitting a few paces from her maybe you never should have looked at him then why lie?
He gave a bitter smile because I thought it would protect you she raised an eyebrow from what?Rael hesitated from yourself from what you used to be from the people hunting you before you even woke up.
Aria stared who told you to lie?hedidn't answer right away then, softly said your brother she blinked I had a brother?
Yes before the fall before the magic turned. He gave me one task — to watch you if you ever returned and keep the truth buried until it was safe.
But I'm not safe,she said sharply I was never was Rael looked down that's what I'm starting to understand.
---
Suddenly, a rustling broke through the trees.
Lysander stood, hand already on his sword. Something's coming.
Before anyone could move a tall, shadowy figure leapt from the trees. Its eyes glowed blood-red. Limbs thin and sharp like branches. A shadowbeast.
Rael drew his dagger.
Aria— she turned too late the creature lunged, claws reaching for her chest out of instinct, her hand flew up and the pendant burst with silver light.
A wave of glowing force exploded from her, blasting the beast backward into the trees. It let out a screech, smoke rising from its body as it disintegrated into ash.Aria fell to her knees, gasping the rune on her hand was glowing — not faintly, but fiercely. The heat was unbearable and then
---
💤 Flashback 💤
She was back in a burning room.
Stone walls cracked. Flames crawling up tapestries. Smoke choking the air.
She stood behind a locked door, pounding with both fists please—someone! Don't leave me!on the other side of the door… footsteps a figure a man he turned his head — just a little pale skin and a deep scar near his jaw he didn't speak this time he just walked away and the door never opened.
---
🌙 Back to the present
Aria gasped and collapsed to the ground, hands shaking the forest spun around her.
Rael rushed toward her, kneeling. Hey—hey, breathe I've got you she shoved his hand away don't touch me he froze her voice shook — but her eyes were sharp, burning I saw it again I was left behind someone walked away.
Aria— Rael's voice cracked i didn't know I swear, I thought you were already—l don't finish that sentence, she said coldly you thought what was easiest to believe you didn't try I was told
You believed them, she said bitterly but you never believed me Lysander stood nearby, watching silently. But even he looked uncertain now — as if the answers scared him too.
---
Aria stood slowly her legs trembled, but she didn't fall she pulled the pendant out from beneath her shirt. The glow had dimmed, but not gone. Her hand still bore the rune, pulsing like a second heartbeat she turned to both of them.
I don't care who thinks they were right. I don't care who meant well. All I know is this I was abandoned locked away and no one came.
Neither man spoke I'm done waiting for answers she said i'm done being protected. From now on… if there's truth to find, I'll find it alone.
---
She turned and walked past them into the forest's edge, her steps slow but steady.
Rael started after her. Aria, please—Lysander held him back let her go, he said quietly she needs space Rael stared after her she's going to remember everything, isn't she?
Lysander looked at the pendant still glowing in the dark.
Yes,he said and when she does… we'll have to answer for everything."
---
💫 Author's Note:
> Chapter 19 marks a turning point 💔
Aria's not the girl searching for her past anymore. She's becoming the woman reclaiming it.
💬 Question for you:
Do you think Aria's powers will destroy her… or finally set her free?
📚 Add to your collection if you're riding this slow-burn emotional ride with her!