A brother lost

The soft glow of lanterns bathed the grand chamber in golden light, flickering against the darkened windows. A heavy silence loomed, broken only by the steady rhythm of breathing. Kiara sat by the bedside, her hands resting gently over the cold fingers of the man lying before her. Verion's chest rose and fell with a fragile rhythm, as if his very existence was hanging by a thread.

Then—his breath hitched. A sharp inhale. His fingers twitched under Kiara's touch.

She straightened instantly, her eyes wide. "Verion?"

A deep groan escaped his lips as his eyelids fluttered open. His golden irises, once sharp and full of knowledge, now held nothing but confusion. He blinked slowly, adjusting to the dim light, before his gaze settled on her. His brows furrowed.

"Who... are you?"

The words hit Kiara like a punch to the chest. Her heart squeezed painfully as she searched his face, looking for any sign—any trace of recognition.