Chapter 8: The Name in the Wind

Kai's heart pounded as he steadied himself. The memory the storm, the promise it felt more than real. It felt unfinished.

The stranger watched him with sharp eyes. "You saw something, didn't you?"

Kai hesitated, then nodded. "A promise. I made a promise to her." His voice wavered. "But I don't even know her name."

The man sighed. "Not yet." He glanced at the Celestial Echo. "But she does."

Kai's fingers tightened around the case. "What do you mean?"

The stranger took a step closer. "Play the instrument, Kai. Listen to it."

A lump formed in Kai's throat. What if I see something I'm not ready for? What if I lose control?

But deep inside, another voice whispered What if you find her?

Taking a deep breath, Kai knelt on the cobbled street and slowly unlatched the case. The Celestial Echo gleamed under the flickering lamplight, its surface smooth and ancient. Waiting. Watching.

Kai brushed his fingers over the strings and plucked a single note.

A soft, haunting melody filled the air.

Then—

Wind rushed past him, carrying a whisper. A name.

"Elysia…"

Kai's eyes widened. Elysia. The moment he heard it, something inside him cracked open, like a door left untouched for centuries. His breath hitched.

The stranger smirked. "Looks like you just found your answer."

Kai's head snapped up. "Who is she?"

The man turned, the shadows swallowing him. "You already know."

Then, just like that, he was gone.

But the wind carried the name once more.

Elysia.

And Kai knew his search had truly begun.