Kaelira gasped as the memory shattered around her.
The burning palace vanished.
The screams faded.
She was back in the Hall of Memories, kneeling on the cold stone floor, her hands still resting on the ancient crystal.
Tears streamed down her face.
Her mother’s final words echoed relentlessly in her mind.
I chose the world… But I never stopped choosing her.
She pressed a trembling hand against the black crescent mark on her chest.
It felt warm.
Almost…
Alive.
Slowly, she stood and turned toward Alaric.
Her silver eyes were filled with heartbreak.
“What…”
Her voice cracked.
“What did Mother seal inside me?”
The room fell silent.
Alaric looked away.
For the first time since revealing himself as her father…
He couldn’t meet his daughter’s eyes.
“Answer me.”
Kaelira took a
