The Truth Unraveling

Liora confronts Elias, refusing to be left in the dark any longer. Under the dim glow of candlelight, he finally breaks, whispering the truth: "Because I have loved you for a thousand years." The revelation shatters Liora's skepticism, leaving her questioning everything she thought she knew about her own existence.

The heavy rain had subsided, leaving the city streets glistening beneath the moonlight. Liora, clutching the letter tightly in her hands, followed Elias through a dimly lit alleyway. Every step felt heavier, as if she were walking toward something inevitable. The words from the letter echoed in her mind: You must not trust him, no matter what he tells you.

Ahead, a worn wooden door creaked open, revealing a candlelit room where four figures waited. The air was thick with tension.

"Liora," a familiar voice called, and she turned to see Dante Corvinus, his dark eyes scanning her with concern. He stood near Selene Duskwhisper, the enigmatic scholar who had helped Elias before. Beside them was Cassian Vale, a former historian turned rogue researcher, and Marcelline Orveau, a violinist who had once studied the very song that haunted Liora's dreams.

Elias shut the door behind them, locking it before speaking. "We don't have much time. The Warden's reach is growing."

Cassian scoffed. "The Warden isn't our only problem. You know that." He turned to Liora. "How much do you remember?"

Liora hesitated, glancing at the letter before meeting his gaze. "Flashes. A room filled with lanterns. A name on my lips before I woke up." She exhaled sharply. "And now this letter is written by me, but from another life."

Selene stepped forward, her gaze sharp yet thoughtful. "That confirms it. You're awakening faster than expected."

Dante folded his arms. "Expected by whom?"

Elias glanced at Liora before answering. "By forces we don't fully understand. But the song… it's unlocking something in her that was never meant to stay buried."

Marcelline, who had remained quiet until now, spoke up. "And yet, she wrote this warning to herself. If she remembered enough to leave behind a message, why would she tell herself not to trust someone?"

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Liora's grip on the letter tightened. "I need to know the truth. Now."

Cassian exchanged a glance with Elias before nodding. "Then we start from the beginning."

Dante leaned against the table, his expression grim. "And hope we're not already too late."