SHADOW OF THE FORGOTTEN

A faint throbbing pulsed behind Velma's eyes. Her body felt weightless and heavy all at once. The last thing she remembered was that burst of light — blinding and warm — swallowing everything around her.

She stirred.

When her eyes fluttered open, the world above her was dark stone. Cold. Carved. Ancient.

Lucian stood above her, his usually calm face drawn and tired.

"You're awake," he said softly.

Velma blinked. "Where am I?" Her voice cracked, her throat dry.

Lucian knelt beside her, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "We're in the Underworld."

Her heart clenched.

"The what?"

"The Underworld," he repeated. "I managed to bring you back here—safely. This is my chamber."

Velma sat up, gripping her temples. "No… no. That can't be right. We were in the woods. There was a light—Daniel—"

Lucian's expression darkened. "He's not Daniel anymore."

Velma's stomach dropped. "What are you talking about?"

Lucian stood and turned away, as if the truth was too heavy to look her in the eye while saying it. "He's Azarel now. The light… it triggered something in him. You've been unconscious for five days."

Velma pushed the blanket off and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. "I need to see him."

Lucian turned sharply. "No."

She looked at him in disbelief. "Why not?"

"Because you'll only hurt yourself," he said. "He doesn't remember you. Not in the way you want him to. He's surrounded by the full court of the Underworld now—monsters, spirits, demons. You're human. You don't belong here."

She felt the panic rise in her chest. "Lucian, you can't expect me to just sit here. I need answers. I need to see him."

"You'll get none from him," Lucian said, gently but firmly. "Not now. Velma… you have to believe me. He is not Daniel anymore."

Her voice cracked. "He's my husband."

"I know," Lucian said, quieter now. "But he doesn't remember. He doesn't know you."

Velma stood, wobbly on her feet, and looked around. The room was dimly lit with floating flames and deep shadows. Strange markings lined the walls, glowing faint red. It was nothing like the world she knew. Nothing like home.

"I want to leave," she said.

Lucian's eyes softened with sympathy. "There's no way back. Not yet. The gates are sealed for now. You weren't meant to be here—no living mortal is. But I hid you. My chamber is cloaked from the higher guards. You're safe here… for now."

Tears welled in her eyes. "I can't be trapped here. I can't… live in this."

"You won't have to," he assured. "But you need to stay out of sight. If anyone else sees you…"

"What?"

"They'll destroy you. Mortals are forbidden in this realm. Even your scent could draw them if you're not careful."

Velma backed up until her back hit the wall. The stone felt colder than ice. "What do I do then?" she whispered.

Lucian sighed. "You wait. I'll do everything I can to figure out how to get you out. But until then… do not leave this room. Do not speak to anyone. Do not try to find him."

Velma swallowed hard, heart pounding.

"I don't even know who he is anymore."

Lucian's gaze flicked to the floor. "Neither does he."

And with that, he left her.

Alone.

In the Underworld.

Trapped beneath the world she once knew—with nothing but a broken heart and fading memories to cling to.