Chapter 21: Shadows of the Past

Alina stood frozen before the inscription.

"Lily of the Flames – The Queen Who Sacrificed All."

Her fingers traced each carved letter as questions swirled in her heart. Who had left this message? Was her mother watching from somewhere, hiding in the shadows?

Suddenly, a rustle echoed from the forest behind her.

She turned, gripping her dagger.

"Easy," a voice called out—calm, deep, familiar.

It was Elric.

Her eyes widened. "You…"

Elric dismounted his horse, his gaze locked on hers. "You ran away. Disappeared before we could even speak."

Alina stepped back. "I had my reasons."

"So do I," he said, softer this time. "And one of them is standing right in front of me."

For a moment, silence wrapped around them.

Elric glanced at the temple ruins. "Why are you here?"

She hesitated, then held out the locket.

"My mother... her name was Lily. She left this behind. And I think this place was once hers."

Elric's expression shifted. The name clearly struck him. "Lily? 

Alina's voice cracked. "Raelynn is not my mother."

He stared at her, everything falling into place. "That's why she was so desperate to marry you off. Why she killed the man you loved."

Alina nodded. "And now I want the truth."

Elric stepped closer. "Then we'll find it—together."

---

That night, Alina and Elric stayed near the temple. By the firelight, she shared everything—her childhood, the cruelty of Raelynn, the lies, and the locket.

Elric listened in silence, then pulled out something from his coat—a letter.

he said. "I didn't understand it until now."

He handed it to her.

The letter read:

> "If she finds this, then I have failed. My daughter lives, but I fear I cannot protect her much longer. If anyone finds this, tell her—my name is Lily, and I never stopped loving her."

Alina clutched the paper, tears falling silently.

Her mother had left a trail.

Now it was up to her to follow it.