Fragments of Truth

Evelyn stared at the closed book in Elias's hands, her breath caught between anticipation and dread. Every word he spoke seemed to unravel the delicate balance of her world.

"You're saying I was part of this? That Isadora knew me?" Evelyn's voice wavered.

Elias sighed, rubbing his temple as if deciding how much he should reveal. "Not just knew you. She protected you."

Lucien tensed. "Protected her from what?"

Elias hesitated before answering. "From yourself."

A chill crawled up Evelyn's spine. "What does that mean?"

Elias stood abruptly, pacing toward a bookshelf. He ran his fingers along the spines of the worn volumes before pulling one free. He flipped it open and turned the book toward them. A faded charcoal sketch of a woman filled the page. The resemblance was undeniable—Evelyn was staring at herself.

The breath left her lungs in a rush. "That's… that's me."

Lucien's gaze darkened. "What the hell is going on, Elias?"

Elias sighed, closing the book with a quiet snap. "This is a record from over a century ago. The woman in this sketch was known as 'The Echo.' A name given to someone who transcended time and fate. She was said to have the power to change the course of destiny."

Evelyn's fingers trembled as she traced the sketch. The details were uncanny—her high cheekbones, the curve of her lips, even the quiet sadness in her eyes.

"How is this possible?" she whispered.

Elias leaned against the desk, folding his arms. "I don't know the full extent of your story, Evelyn. But I do know this—Isadora devoted her life to protecting The Echo. And if she sent you a message, it means you are meant to remember who you are."

Lucien clenched his jaw. "And what happens when she does?"

Elias's expression grew grim. "Then the past will no longer be a whisper. It will be a storm."

Silence stretched between them, heavy and unrelenting. Evelyn's mind was a whirlwind of questions, none of which had easy answers. But one thing was clear—her life wasn't just her own. It was entwined with something far bigger, something that had been waiting for her to awaken.

And now, the echoes of time were calling her back.