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Chapter 3: The Fractured Memory

The sanctuary was quiet, save for the faint hum of magical energy flowing through the air. Kael sat across from Lira at a circular stone table engraved with celestial runes. A soft golden light emanated from the center of the table, illuminating their faces.

Lira's hands rested in her lap, fingers absently fidgeting with the frayed edge of her robe. She kept glancing at Kael, the weight of his crimson gaze making her feel exposed, though she couldn't deny the strange sense of calm he brought.

"You mentioned fragments of memories," Kael said, breaking the silence. "What do you see when you dream?"

Lira hesitated, her eyes narrowing as she tried to focus. "It's… hard to explain. The dreams feel so vivid, like I'm living them, but they always slip away when I wake up. I see a grand hall made of light, with stars embedded in the walls. There's a voice—it calls to me, but I can't make out the words."

Kael leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Anything else? A symbol, a name?"

She shook her head, frustrated. "No. Just a feeling… of loss. Like I'm searching for something I'll never find."

Kael studied her for a moment, then rose to his feet. "The memories might not be as far out of reach as you think."

"What do you mean?"

"I can help you unlock them," Kael said, his tone steady but cautious. "The sanctuary is imbued with magic that connects to the celestial plane. If you're a reincarnated celestial, your memories are tied to that energy. I can guide you into the fragments and help you piece them together."

Lira's eyes widened. "You can do that?"

Kael nodded. "I've done it before with mortals who've lost pieces of themselves. But this won't be easy—it could be dangerous."

"Dangerous how?"

"Your memories could be bound to the pain of your past life," Kael explained. "Facing them might overwhelm you, and if you lose yourself in the fragments, I might not be able to pull you back."

Lira swallowed hard, her golden eyes flickering with uncertainty. "But if I don't do this, I'll never know who I am. I need to try."

Kael's expression softened. "Then I'll be here to anchor you."

Lira nodded, a flicker of determination igniting in her gaze. "Let's do it."

Kael motioned for her to follow him to the center of the sanctuary. A circular platform rested in the middle of the room, surrounded by faintly glowing runes that pulsed in rhythm with the sanctuary's magic.

"Sit here," Kael instructed, gesturing to the center of the platform.

Lira obeyed, crossing her legs and placing her hands on her knees. She glanced up at Kael, who stood just outside the circle, his crimson cloak catching the ambient light.

"What happens now?" she asked.

Kael raised his hands, and the runes flared to life, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. "Close your eyes and focus on the feeling of the memories. Let the fragments come to you."

Lira closed her eyes, her breathing slowing as the magic began to hum louder around her. She felt a tingling sensation in her chest, spreading through her limbs like a gentle current.

Kael's voice was low and steady. "I'll guide you through the threads of your mind. If anything feels wrong, call out to me."

Lira nodded faintly, her consciousness already slipping into a dreamlike state.

---

Lira opened her eyes to find herself standing in the grand hall of light she had seen in her dreams. The walls shimmered like liquid starlight, and the air was thick with an overwhelming sense of power.

"This… is it," she whispered, turning in awe.

A figure stood at the far end of the hall, their silhouette glowing with golden light. As Lira approached, she realized it was a reflection of herself—but not as she was now. This version of her was taller, her posture regal, and her raven hair glowed faintly like a halo.

"Who are you?" Lira asked, her voice trembling.

The reflection smiled faintly. "You know who I am. I am you… or at least, I was."

"Was?"

"I am Althea, the Keeper of Balance," the reflection said. "A celestial who once stood as the bridge between realms. You carry my soul, though it has been fractured and scattered through time."

Lira's breath caught. "If you're me, then why can't I remember anything?"

"Because remembering means facing the truth," Althea said gently. "And the truth is… painful."

"What truth?" Lira demanded, her voice rising.

The reflection's golden eyes dimmed. "I failed."

The grand hall darkened, the light fading into shadows. Images flashed around Lira—visions of a great battle, of shadowy figures clashing with beings of pure light. A piercing scream echoed in her mind, and she fell to her knees, clutching her head.

"You were betrayed," Althea's voice said, distant and echoing. "Your power was stolen and scattered, leaving you vulnerable. The shadows consumed everything you stood for."

Tears streamed down Lira's face as the memories overwhelmed her. "No… I can't…"

"Lira!" Kael's voice rang out, cutting through the storm of memories.

Suddenly, Lira felt his hand on her shoulder, grounding her. The visions began to fade, and the warmth of the sanctuary replaced the cold darkness of the fragmented memories.

---

Lira opened her eyes, gasping for breath. She was back in the sanctuary, Kael kneeling beside her, his crimson eyes filled with concern.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Lira nodded shakily, though tears still clung to her lashes. "I… I saw her. I saw me."

Kael tilted his head. "What did you learn?"

"I was someone called Althea," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Keeper of Balance. But… I failed. I don't know how, but I failed."

Kael's jaw tightened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're not her anymore. You're Lira. And whatever happened in the past, we'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

Lira looked up at him, her golden eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you, Kael."

For a moment, their gazes locked, and the air between them felt charged. But before either could speak, the sanctuary's magic pulsed with a sudden urgency.

Kael rose to his feet, his expression hardening. "Something's coming."

Lira followed his gaze toward the entrance, her heart pounding. Whatever it was, she had a feeling it wouldn't wait for her to fully understand her past.

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