A Stranger’s Eyes

Siren stood frozen, his heart pounding in a way it hadn't for centuries. "Do I know you?"

Aaria's voice was soft, uncertain. Her dark eyes studied him with mild curiosity, but there was no flicker of recognition—no sign that she felt what he felt.

Siren clenched his fists at his sides, keeping his expression neutral despite the turmoil inside him. He had prepared for this, yet hearing the words still cut him like a blade.

But he had come too far to let this moment slip away.

He forced a small, almost hesitant smile. "I thought you looked familiar." His voice was calm, even though his soul was unraveling. "Sorry if I startled you."

Aaria blinked, tilting her head slightly. "Oh… It's okay." She laughed lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "For a second, I thought you were someone I forgot."

Siren's heart skipped a beat. Forgot.

Did some part of her still feel it? Was there something buried deep within her, trying to claw its way back to the surface?

He studied her carefully. She was the same, yet different. Her face, her voice, her presence—it was all Aaria, and yet she didn't carry the weight of memories she should have.

She was lighter. Untouched by the past. Free.

It made his chest ache.

"So… do you live around here?" she asked, breaking the silence.

Siren hesitated. How much should he reveal? He had spent centuries waiting for this moment, yet now that she was in front of him, he didn't know what to say.

"I just arrived," he admitted. Not a lie, not the full truth. "I guess I'm… looking for something."

Aaria smiled. "Well, this city has everything. You'll find it eventually."

Siren's lips pressed together. I already have.

He wanted to keep talking, but before he could think of another excuse to stay, Aaria checked her phone. "I should head home," she said. "It was nice meeting you…"

She trailed off, waiting for his name.

Siren hesitated only for a moment. "Siren."

Aaria smiled again, completely unaware of the weight that name carried. "Siren," she repeated. "Nice name."

He swallowed. It was once a name she whispered with love.

But not anymore. Not yet.

"See you around?" she asked.

Siren nodded, though his voice was steady when he replied. "Yes. We will meet again."

Aaria gave him a small wave before walking away, leaving him standing alone under the dim city lights.

Siren exhaled, his body tense.

She didn't remember. But for the first time in six hundred years, he had spoken to her again.

And this time, he wouldn't let her go.