Chapter 32: The Letter That Changed Everything

Alina couldn't sleep.

Raelynn's lies, the journal, and Elric's silent strength had stirred something inside her. Something strong. Something dangerous.

But it was the letter delivered the next morning that shattered the last of her doubt.

It arrived in secret, slipped under her chamber door.

A plain envelope, no royal seal—just a single name written on the front in trembling ink:

Alina.

With cautious fingers, she opened it.

> My dearest daughter,

If this reaches you, then fate has finally been kind. I never wanted to leave you behind, but I had no choice. The danger… it was too much. Raelynn—once my sister in heart—tried to end my life. I fled, not to save myself, but to protect you.

You were just a baby. You didn't deserve any of it. I thought she would at least love you as I did… but now I fear I was wrong.

If you still believe in me, then come to the place where your mother was once free. The old village. I will wait. I pray with all my soul that you come.

– Lily

Alina stared at the letter, heart pounding.

"Elric!" she cried.

He rushed in, sword half-drawn, but the panic faded when he saw her expression.

"It's her," Alina said breathlessly. "My real mother. She's alive. And she wants to see me."

Elric stepped closer, eyes dark with emotion. "Then we leave tonight."

---

Later that evening, cloaked and hidden, Elric and Alina rode through the secret tunnels beneath the castle. Only Marna, the loyal maid, knew of their escape.

As they left the city behind, Alina looked back one last time.

"I'm not running," she whispered. "I'm going home."

And beside her, Elric nodded. "And I'll be with you. Every step of the way."