Chapter 15

The room was silent save for Mira's soft murmurs as she sat on the edge of the bed, her knees drawn up to her chest. Her brows were furrowed, and her lips moved in rapid whispers, her thoughts tumbling out in fragments that Liam could barely piece together.

"What if mom finds out? She'll be so disappointed," Mira mumbled, clutching the edge of the blanket around her shoulders. "She doesn't even know I'm not her biological child"

Liam, now fully awake, sat across from her, his sharp platinum hair slightly tousled from sleep. His gaze softened as he leaned forward, his hand resting on her knee to ground her. "Mira, breathe," he said gently. "You're overthinking again."

Mira opened her mouth to respond but faltered. She swallowed hard, her fingers gripping the blanket tighter, she murmured. "Athasia."

Liam raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of curiosity. "Athasia?"

"Yes, Athasia," Mira said, her voice growing more confident as she stood, though her legs wobbled slightly, and she winced at the soreness that flared through her lower body. She gritted her teeth and straightened, determined. "She has platinum hair, green eyes that look almost like they're glowing, and…" She paused, a faint realization flickering in her mind. "She looks like mom. Exactly like mom."

Liam's brows knit together in thought. He remained silent, watching her intently as she began pacing the room, her earlier nerves replaced with a sudden surge of energy.

"She's strong, Liam. I just know it," Mira continued, her voice almost frantic now. "If she's anything like the girl I knew in my past life, she's capable of helping us. I'm sure of it. I need to find her."

"Mira," Liam began, his tone even, but she didn't stop.

"I need to go to school," Mira declared, spinning around to face him. Her determination was palpable, and for a moment, Liam found himself at a loss for words.

He ran a hand through his hair, leaning back slightly as he considered her words. "We're hosting a banquet today," he reminded her. "You can call her if it's that urgent. You don't need to rush off."

Mira hesitated, her resolve wavering for a split second before she shook her head. "No, I need to see her in person. This isn't something I can do over the phone. She's the key, Liam. I just know it."

Deep down, Liam's heart stirred at her words. Could this "Athasia" truly be the sister he had been searching for all these years? The description certainly matched—platinum hair, green eyes, and a striking resemblance to their mother. The possibility sent a flicker of hope through him, though he quickly masked it with his usual calm demeanor.

"If you're that set on going," Liam said slowly, "then I'll drive you. But you'll have to return before the banquet starts. Mother will expect both of us to be there."

Mira nodded, her expression resolute. "Fine. Just get me to school."

Liam stood, walking over to her and gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Mira, I know things feel chaotic right now," he said softly. "But we'll figure this out together. You don't have to carry it all on your own."

Mira looked up at him, her eyes glistening with a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Liam," she said quietly.

He offered her a faint smile, his hand lingering for a moment before he stepped back. "Get dressed. I'll be waiting downstairs."

As Liam left the room, Mira's thoughts swirled with everything that had happened and everything that was to come. Athasia's face flashed in her mind, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself. Just wait, Athasia, she thought. I'm coming for you.