The memory looked back.
Not at Kael.
Not at Selene.
At me.
The realization hit so hard that I froze.
For a moment, nobody moved.
Nobody breathed.
The enormous doors stood open behind us, revealing a reality that should not have existed.
The beginning.
The true beginning.
Not a story.
Not a record.
Not words written on ancient pages.
A living moment preserved outside time.
The Keeper lowered his lantern.
Its golden light seemed insignificant compared to the radiance pouring from beyond the doorway.
"This is impossible," Selene whispered.
The Keeper glanced at her.
"No."
His voice was unusually serious.
"This is history."
The distinction sent chills down my spine.
History.
Not legend.
Not myth.
Reality.
The memory pulsed.
The world around us blurred.
Then suddenly
