The river moved quietly behind her.
Serena stood frozen on the bank, her real face not exposed under the bright moonlight.
Damien stared at her as though the world had tilted off its axis or as if he was looking dead in the eye of a real ghost.
The heavy and unspoken silence stretched too long.
“You’re not Soren,” he said at last.
“No.” she said, her tone flat.
Her voice trembled only slightly.
“Who are you?”
“I'm… Serena.”
The name settled between them like a stone dropped in still water.
His jaw tightened.
“So, you’ve been lying since the beginning.”
“Yes.”
The honesty in her answer seemed to ignite something in him.
“You fought beside me,” he said, stepping closer. “You trained with me. I've stood up for you more than I have for most…”
His voice sharpened.
“And you lied
