>>Enya (Current Timeline)
I stood at the threshold of Einar's room, the edges of my boots brushing against the worn wood grain, worn from pacing—mine, his, ours. Light bled through the narrow windowpanes in soft ribbons, illuminating the sharp planes of my brother's face as he rested on the bed, pale as bone beneath the linen sheets. Even in sleep, he looked like he was keeping secrets.
Hael leaned against the far wall, his arms crossed, silver robes pooling at his feet like smoke. His expression was unreadable, but I knew him well enough by now to sense the hesitation threading through his silence.
"I want you to restore Ahin's memories," I said, my voice too loud in the quiet.
Hael didn't move. His eyes flicked to me, half-lidded, faintly amused.
"Do you?" he said at last. "And what do I get in return for such an inconvenient request?"
I stiffened. "It's not about what you get. Ahin—he's lost, Hael. Without his memories, he's… not whole."
