4.Echoes of the Past

Adrian sat against the cold stone wall, his breathing steadying after their last encounter. The flickering light from their torches cast long shadows on the dungeon walls. The others were resting, but his mind drifted into old memories, ones he had tried to suppress for years.

He saw a dimly lit room, the air heavy with the scent of iron. The memory of his parents' lifeless bodies flashed before him—blood pooling beneath them, their once warm eyes now empty. He clenched his fists, feeling the old anger and sorrow rising in his chest.

Then came the face of his sister, Elise. She had been so young, barely old enough to understand what had happened. Adrian had sworn that day to protect her, no matter what. But fate had torn them apart, and he had been searching for her ever since.

A soft touch on his shoulder pulled him back to the present. He looked up to see Lila, her blue eyes filled with concern. "You were lost in thought," she said softly.

Adrian exhaled, forcing a smirk. "Just reminiscing. Nothing important."

Lila didn't look convinced but didn't push. "Come on, we need to keep moving."

As they ventured further into the dungeon, Adrian shook off his lingering thoughts. He had a mission now, and he wouldn't let his past dictate his future. But deep inside, he knew—his past was far from done with him.