Kiera didn't sleep easily.
Her mind spun with fragmented memories—shadows of a life stolen from her. Blurred faces, half-formed whispers. A city skyline at sunset. A voice calling her name. A feeling—deep, unshakable—of something important just out of reach.
She woke in darkness, heart pounding, uncertain whether the dream had been a memory or just a desperate attempt to piece herself back together.
She sat up, exhaling slowly. Around her, the others were still asleep—Rhys leaning against the wall, Marek sprawled on a cot, Aerin curled into a corner.
She glanced at the door. The woman would still be awake.
Kiera pushed herself up and made her way back to the console room.
The woman was there, just as she expected. She barely looked up as Kiera entered.
"Couldn't sleep?"
Kiera shook her head. "There's too much in my head."
The woman hummed in understanding, fingers still moving across the keys.
Kiera hesitated before speaking. "You never told me your name."
The woman's hands stilled. For a moment, she was silent. Then, quietly—
"Elyndra."
The name sparked something. Faint, distant, like an echo of something forgotten.
Kiera's brow furrowed. "I… I think I knew that name before."
Elyndra's expression didn't change, but something in her eyes flickered. "You did."
Kiera's pulse quickened. "Who were you to me?"
Elyndra's gaze dropped to the console. She exhaled slowly. "I was the one who tried to stop them from taking you."
Kiera's breath caught. "You fought for me?"
Elyndra nodded. "And I lost."
Silence stretched between them.
Kiera had spent so long feeling like she was alone in this fight. But now, for the first time, she realized—she wasn't. There had been people who had tried to protect her. People who had fought, even if they had failed.
And now, she had the chance to finish what they started.
Her voice was quiet, but steady. "Then let's make sure you don't lose again."
Elyndra looked at her, really looked at her. Then, slowly, she nodded.