After Rael left, the forest felt heavier.
Aria sat alone on the chapel steps, the breeze tugging at her hair. She couldn't stop thinking about his face… his voice… the way her chest had tightened when he spoke.
> You once called me your fire.
But how could that be true?
She didn't even know him.
Not really.
---
Lysander stood nearby, sharpening his blade. The sound of metal against stone was steady — calm — but she felt the tension in the air.
He hadn't said much since Rael arrived.
Not even when she asked him why he looked so cold.
Lysander? she said finally.
He paused. Yes?
She looked down at her hands.Did I… care about him? Before?
There was a short silence.
Then he answered, softly, You cared about many people. But Rael was... different.
---
Aria looked up. Different how?
Lysander didn't meet her eyes. He kept sharpening the blade, slow and careful.
He made you laugh,he said after a moment. Even when the world was falling apart.
She blinked. That felt familiar — not clear, but like hearing a song she couldn't remember the words to.
> Laughter. Fire. Chaos.
A part of her had loved that.
---
She stood up slowly, walking toward the edge of the woods. The pendant around her neck pulsed faintly, as if it sensed her heart was heavy.
She closed her eyes.
And just like before, something opened.
---
💤 A Glimpse From Before 💤
The two of them sat under a tree, stars glowing above.
She wore a white cloak, and Rael leaned beside her, grinning.
You're always thinking,he said.
And you're always interrupting, she replied, but she was smiling.
He handed her a small, glowing crystal. Then take this. For when I'm not there to distract you.
She laughed — a real, soft laugh.
This doesn't mean I've forgiven you.
I know,he said. But it means you will.
---
🌙 Back to the present
Aria opened her eyes.
The chapel was still. The trees whispered softly.
She touched the pendant, breath catching.
He gave me something once…
Lysander looked up. You remembered?
She nodded, slowly. Just a little. But it felt… real.
---
He walked to her side, and for the first time that day, his voice was gentle.
Memories don't come all at once,he said. But they'll come. When you're ready.
She turned to him. What if remembering… hurts?
Lysander met her gaze. Then I'll stand beside you through it.
The words were simple, but they sank deep.
For a long moment, neither of them moved.
Just silence.
Soft. Warm. Careful.
Like something waiting to bloom.
---
That night, Aria stood by the chapel window.
Two names now lived in her heart.
One whispered like wind.
The other burned like fire.
And she didn't know yet…
> Which one would stay.
---
💫 Author's Note:
> Thank you for reading Chapter 11
Aria's memories are starting to return, and so are her feelings — even if she doesn't understand them yet.
💬 Question for you:
Who do you feel more connected to so far — calm Lysander or wild Rael?