The forest changed again deeper now,older the trees leaned inward, thick with silver moss. Light barely touched the path. But Aria walked without fear, her teacher just a few steps ahead.
She still didn't know his name he hadn't offered it yet and she hadn't asked.It wasn't names she needed right now it was truth.
---
They stopped at a clearing — quiet, still, covered in rune-marked stone this place once belonged to the Moon Blades, he said. Your circle. Your oath.
Aria looked around. Her fingers tingled. The pendant pulsed once this place remembered her
Why can't I remember it?she asked
The man turned to her,because someone sealed your memories,someone powerful
,someone close ,Aria's hands clenched Then I want to unseal them,all of them he nodded then begin. Stand in the center
---
She stepped onto the largest rune stone.
The instant she did, the runes began to glow beneath her boots. Her pendant sparked — not violently, but steady, warm.
Her mark glowed too, the rune on her hand matching the ones beneath her feet.Breathe,the teacher said.Let your body forget what it learned and let your soul remember what it was then she closed her eyes slowly
--
And the visions came.
Not in flashes — but in pieces.
A blade.
A crown.
A woman in white, screaming.
A child torn from her arms.
Lysander… reaching for her.
Rael… looking away.
And above them all —
A shadowy figure in gold armor, giving the order.Lock her away. She's too dangerous to remember.
---
Aria's eyes snapped open,she stumbled back off the stone her breath was short and her skin cold,the teacher didn't move.
Did you see him he asked?She nodded,shaking,A man in gold armor.
Yes,she whispered. Who was he?
The teacher looked away.He's the one who gave the final order.not your brother,not Rael,not the Seer
Then who—?
Before he could speak a familiar voice answered from the trees.His name… was General Lysian. The King's Blade. The one we once trusted more than anyone.
Aria turned Lysander stepped into the light.
---
She stared at him you followed me?he didn't deny it.I had to,you knew about the General?
Lysander nodded, slowly.I knew he was the one who signed the order. I didn't know… it would erase you. I only found out after it was done.
Aria's heart beat faster,you served under him?yes he said quietly.He was my mentor.
Aria stepped back then why are you still protecting me?
Lysander met her eyes.Because I failed once. I won't fail again.
---
The pendant between her collarbones pulsed — brighter now.
It didn't reject him.
But it didn't fully accept him either.
Her teacher spoke softly,you must decide soon, Aria.
Decide what?
He looked between Lysander and the forest path ahead.Whether to chase revenge… or reclaim yourself.
---
She looked down at the glowing mark on her hand.
She remembered the pain. The betrayal. The fire.
But also the way her heart ached when Rael begged
The way Lysander stood behind her, not pushing, just… there.
And the way her power calmed when she accepted the truth — not ran from it.
---
Aria took a long breath then turned away from both men,I'll remember everything. But I won't lose myself doing it.
---
And in that moment…
The stone under her feet cracked slightly.
Light spilled from it — not silver, but blue.
A new color.
A new path.
And the beginning… of what was once fo
💫 Author's Note:
> Chapter 21 is the heart-snap moment 💙
Aria has seen the truth. But what she does next?
That will define who she chooses to be.
💬 Question for you:
Should Aria confront the man in gold? Or is she still too unready?
📚 Add to your collection if you're still breathing with her every step of this journey 🌕