Chapter 10: The Silent Pages

The Orion Archives smelled of history dusty parchment, ink, and time itself. The dim yellow lights flickered as Kai followed the librarian through rows of ancient bookshelves, each one filled with forgotten stories.

"This way," she said, leading him to a secluded corner. A massive wooden table stood in the center, surrounded by shelves stacked with fragile, leather-bound books.

Kai ran his fingers along the spines, scanning the faded gold lettering. Legends of the Celestial Echo, Forgotten Melodies, The Lost Song of Time…

His heart pounded as he pulled out the last book. Echoes of Elysia.

His fingers trembled as he flipped open the cover. The pages were delicate, almost translucent, filled with handwritten notes in an old, elegant script. He scanned the words quickly, his breath catching when he saw it.

Elysia the last songkeeper of the Celestial Echo. Bound by fate, lost in time.

His pulse quickened. Songkeeper? The word sent a shiver down his spine. He read further.

"Legends say the Celestial Echo does not belong to one lifetime. It chooses its wielder, binding them to a destiny they cannot escape. Those who hear its melody are forever tied to its song."

Kai's grip tightened on the book. The words felt personal, as if they were speaking directly to him.

"Find anything useful?" the librarian's voice startled him.

Kai hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah… I think I just found the beginning of something."

The woman studied him for a moment. "Be careful with that book," she warned. "Some stories are meant to be forgotten."

Kai exhaled slowly. Not this one.

He had a name. He had a story.

Now, he just needed to find the truth.

And nothing was going to stop him.