Aeri sat perfectly still, the name Lyrenia echoing in her mind like a bell struck too hard.The world felt both clearer and more terrifying.
Soren and Lior stood in front of her—one calm but tense, the other rigid with fear and anger.
Finally, Aeri whispered:
"…Tell me. Who was Lyrenia?"
Soren inhaled slowly."Lyrenia wasn't just your name. It was your true identity—one hidden even from most within your kingdom."
Lior continued, pacing restlessly:
"You were powerful. The strongest Lightborn mage in centuries. People believed you were blessed by the First Star. The Nightbound Circle called you their 'Anathema.' Their doom."
Aeri's pulse quickened."I… was a threat to them?"
"You were the threat," Lior corrected."The only one capable of breaking their rituals, countering their magic, and destroying the one person they worshipped above all—your future killer."
Aeri shivered."Why me? Why not someone else?"
Soren approached slowly, kneeling to meet her gaze.
"Because Lyrenia… you were born with a rare soul. One that shines so brightly, it breaks dark magic by instinct."
Aeri blinked. "But I wasn't trained—"
"You didn't need to be," he said softly. "You were pure magic."
Aeri's hands trembled.
Lior leaned forward, voice lower, harsher:
"And that's why he wanted you."
The room fell silent.
Aeri swallowed. "This… man. The leader. Who is he? What does he want from me?"
Soren's expression turned heartbreaking.
"Aeri… he didn't just want your power."
Lior clenched his fists.
"He wanted you. And if he couldn't have you alive… he would rather keep your soul bound to him forever."
Aeri felt her blood run cold.
She tried to stand, but her legs wobbled. Soren caught her instantly.
"Easy. The soul seal's still reacting."
Aeri breathed shakily."So this connection… it's because of him?"
Soren nodded."It's a forced imprint. A dark pact. Something he branded on you when you were at your weakest."
Aeri's voice tightened."When did he do that to me?"
Lior hesitated.
"A few days before your death."
Aeri felt the world tilt."So he manipulated me… then betrayed me."
Soren's jaw tightened."He tricked you. Pretended to be an ally. Someone you trusted."
Lior growled, "And when you refused him, he snapped."
Aeri closed her eyes, her breathing unsteady."I don't want his power. His bond. His magic. I want him gone."
Soren gently held her hand."We'll help you break the seal."
Lior added, "But we need you to understand the danger first."
Aeri looked up. "What danger?"
Lior's eyes darkened.
"When the seal awakens… it awakens him too."
Aeri's heart pounded. "Meaning—?"
Soren answered quietly.
"He'll be able to sense you. Feel your emotions. Track your location.And eventually… he'll find you."
The lantern dimmed suddenly.
Aeri's mark pulsed.
Once.Twice.Three times.
Soren stepped forward. "Aeri? What do you feel?"
She pressed a hand to her chest.
"A presence," she whispered. "Cold. Familiar. Watching me."
Lior cursed. "He's reaching through the seal."
Aeri's voice trembled.
"I feel like… someone is standing right behind me."
Soren placed both hands on her cheeks, forcing her to focus on him.
"Aeri. Look at me. You're not alone."
The presence vanished suddenly.
Aeri gasped, falling against him.
Lior rushed to her side."That was too close. We need to reinforce the barriers."
Soren helped Aeri sit down.
"Aeri," he whispered, "this is just the beginning. But you're stronger than you think. Lyrenia was feared for a reason."
Aeri slowly opened her eyes—this time, glowing faintly with silver light.
Both boys froze.
Lior whispered:
"…Her true magic. It's awakening."
Soren smiled softly, relieved and awed.
"Aeri… you're remembering.And soon… you'll be strong enough to face him."
Aeri's voice was small but determined:
"I won't let him control me.Not in this life."
And somewhere far away—in a hidden place where shadows did not reach—
a man opened his eyes.
A red mark glowed on his wrist.
And he whispered:
"Lyrenia… you've awakened."