CHAPTER 11
The Crown Seekers did not attack immediately.
They watched.
From rooftops.
From mirrors enchanted with distant sight.
From dreams that were not dreams.
Louis began to feel it—a pressure behind his eyes, like hands trying to pull memories back out of his soul.
"They're testing you," Alice said, tightening the bandage on his arm. "They want to know how much you remember."
"And how much I can still do," louis answered.
That night, the village was attacked.
Not by soldiers—but by creatures shaped from twisted magic, remnants of the crown's power. When villagers screamed, his body moved without hesitation.
Flames wrapped around his blade.
The villagers stared.
"A hero…" someone whispered.
She felt fear—not of him, but for him.
Because heroes are never left alone.
CHAPTER 12 — The Girl Who Refused to Be Left Behind
After the attack, the village begged them to leave.
"You bring calamity," the elder said gently. "But we are grateful you protected us."
Alice understood.
As they packed to go, Louis hesitated. "You don't have to follow me."
Alice stopped walking.
"I crossed worlds for you," she said quietly. "Do you really think I'd turn back now?"
Louis smiled—soft, sad, grateful.
This time, Louis took her hand first.
Their journey led them toward the Central Kingdom, where rumors said the crown relic was awakening. Along the road, something new grew between them—not rushed, not loud—but steady.
At night, they shared stories.
Sometimes, he'd look at her and say,
"Tell me more… about the me you loved."
And she would.
CHAPTER 13 — The Crown Princess of This World
They weren't the only ones drawn to the relic.
In the capital lived Princess Elythra, heir to the throne, blessed with rare magic—and cursed with ambition. The crown whispered to her through dreams, promising peace, control, and a world without war.
"All chaos needs," the voice said, "is one ruler."
When she learned of him—the man who once sealed worlds—her interest turned sharp.
"Bring him to me," she ordered. "Alive."
Not out of hatred.
But fascination.
CHAPTER 14 — When Memories Hurt
One night, he woke gasping.
The portal stood before him again in his dream—but this time, it didn't close.
Children cried.
His family stood behind him, silent.
And she was disappearing into light.
Louis reached for her—and woke up screaming her name.
Alice held him until his breathing slowed.
"I was so afraid," louis whispered. "That even now… I'll lose you again."
Alice rested her forehead against his.
"You won't," Alice said. "Not in this world. Not in any."
Outside, unseen, a Crown Seeker smiled.
"Good," he murmured. "The seal is almost gone."
CHAPTER 15 — The Choice That Breaks Fate
They were surrounded at dawn.
Royal guards.
Crown Seekers.
And at their center—Princess Elythra herself.
"You're a relic of another world," she said calmly. "Come with me. Help me rule. I'll ensure no one suffers again."
He stepped forward.
Before she could stop him.
"I've heard that promise before," he said. "It always ends the same."
Elythra's eyes flicked to the girl.
"You," she said softly. "You're the weakness."
Magic surged.
He turned—instinctively—to shield her.
And in that moment, the crown reacted.
The ground cracked.
The sky darkened.
The portal's symbol burned into the air.
The war between worlds had officially begun.