Eclipsed heart

Chapter 10: The Echo of Prophecy

The first rays of dawn pierced the thick canopy above, casting a golden glow over the forest floor. The world seemed to stir, waking from a slumber as ancient as time itself. Arlen and Liora stood together in the quiet aftermath of the storm, their fingers still lightly entwined, the weight of destiny pressing upon them.

Liora shivered despite the warmth of the morning sun, her mind reeling from the revelation. "I... I remember pieces. Fragments of us, of what we were," she murmured, as though speaking to herself.

Arlen watched her closely, his gaze unwavering. "It will come to you, Liora. The past is never truly lost. It only sleeps until the time is right."

She met his eyes, searching for the truth in the depths of his dark gaze. "You say that, but... how can I trust this? The world has changed. I've changed."

"You're not the only one," Arlen said quietly, his voice thick with an unspoken burden. "I've carried the weight of the past with me—every lifetime, every moment we were apart. I am not the same man I once was. But we are still bound. Nothing can sever what was written in the stars."

Liora closed her eyes, breathing in the earthy scent of the forest, allowing herself to be enveloped by his presence. It felt like coming home, as if the very air around them hummed with the power of a promise long made. But in her heart, doubt lingered.

"What if I'm not strong enough?" she asked, voice trembling. "What if we fail?"

Arlen's hand gently cupped her chin, lifting her face to meet his. "We won't fail. I'll ensure of it."

A sudden shift in the air broke their moment of calm. The trees swayed, as though whispering to each other, and the sound of soft footsteps reached their ears. Arlen's senses went on high alert as he turned to face the disturbance.

Out of the mist emerged a figure—a tall, cloaked man with eyes that gleamed like molten gold. His presence was both calming and unsettling, as though he existed outside of time.

"I see you've finally reunited," the man said, his voice smooth, carrying a note of both warning and curiosity. "The prophecy is stirring, and time is running out."

Liora stiffened, her eyes narrowing. "Who are you?"

"I am Eryx," the man replied. "And I am the one who has watched over the course of your destinies. I have seen what is to come, and I know what you must do."

Arlen stepped protectively in front of Liora, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his blade. "Speak plainly. What do you want?"

Eryx tilted his head slightly, studying them both with a knowing look. "The forces that seek to tear your bond apart are already in motion. But your enemies are not just those of flesh and blood. The very fabric of time is at risk. The gods may have given you a second chance, but they are not without their own agendas."

Liora's breath caught in her throat. "The gods? What do they want with us?"

"They desire balance," Eryx replied. "But their vision of balance may not be the same as yours. You must decide, Liora. Will you follow the path the gods have set for you, or will you forge your own destiny, with Arlen at your side?"

Arlen stepped forward, his voice low and fierce. "We don't need their approval. We've already chosen."

Eryx's golden eyes sparkled with amusement. "A bold declaration. But the path ahead will not be easy. Even as we speak, there are forces gathering—enemies from both this world and beyond, waiting for you to falter."

Liora felt a chill settle in her bones, but she held her ground. "Then we will face them together. Whatever comes."

Eryx's lips curled into a slight smile. "Very well. But know this—time is not on your side. The prophecy is a delicate thread. One wrong move, and everything could unravel."

With a flick of his wrist, Eryx vanished into the mist, leaving only the echo of his words behind. Arlen stood tall, his expression unreadable, but the tension in his muscles told a different story.

Liora turned to him, her heart pounding. "What does this mean, Arlen? What prophecy? What enemies?"

"Everything we've ever feared," Arlen said, his voice low and steady. "The gods may have given us a second chance, but their plan is not as simple as we thought. We'll need to be stronger than ever before if we're to survive."

Liora's hand clenched at her side, a surge of determination rising within her. She may not remember everything yet, but she was no longer the helpless girl from before. She had been given another chance, and she would fight for it. For them.

"Then we will stand together," she said firmly. "And we will rewrite the prophecy if we must."

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