Aure wandered into a ruin where light bent unnaturally—an abandoned temple where mirrors hung in webs of thread. In the center sat an old woman, blindfolded but surrounded by shimmering visions.
"You've returned," she said.
Aure hesitated. "Do you know me?"
She laughed gently. "I know who you were. But most importantly, I know what you chose to forget."
The oracle offered Aure a mirror. In its glass shimmered the image of a sword plunged into Aure's own chest—but willingly. Behind him, Lian wept, cradling his body.
"He tried to stop the fall," the oracle whispered. "But it was your choice. To save him, you made him take your memory."
Aure's hands trembled.
The oracle continued, "The stars still honor your vow. Will you reclaim what you were? Or remain as you are?"
Aure didn't answer.
But in their silence, a crack formed across the mirror.