Golden light swirled around Arin as the chains binding Evelyn shook violently. Another piece of the past had returned, but the final piece—the most important truth—was still missing.
The golden key in Arin's hand pulsed, and a new inscription appeared on its surface:
"Truth."
A deep sense of unease settled in his chest. What had truly happened that day?
He turned toward the ruined castle ahead—the very place where everything had ended once before.
"Let's finish this," Arin said, stepping forward.
---
[New Quest: Unlock Evelyn's Final Memory]
The air grew heavier as Arin approached the entrance to the throne room. The once-grand castle was now in ruins, its walls cracked, its ceilings barely holding together.
Valeria's grip tightened on her sword. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"
Lilith leaned against a broken pillar, smirking. "Oh, come on. We've already seen a ruined wedding. What's left, a tragic love story?"
Seraphina shot her a glare. "This isn't a joke, Lilith."
Zareth's golden eyes flickered. "No… this place is waiting for him."
Arin ignored their words. His heart pounded as he lifted the key.
CLICK.
A golden glow consumed him—
And the past pulled him in once more.
---
[Memory Fragment Unlocked!]
The throne room was pristine.
Velvet carpets. Golden chandeliers. The grand, towering throne of obsidian and silver.
And sitting upon it—
King Aldric Astra.
Evelyn's father.
The man who had ordered her execution.
But this wasn't the day she died.
Not yet.
"Arin Valcrest," the king's voice boomed. "You have committed treason against this kingdom."
Arin's past self stood in the center of the hall, his blade drawn.
"I fought for this kingdom! And now you brand me a traitor?"
The nobles surrounding the throne whispered among themselves.
And beside the king—
A familiar face.
Arin's breath caught.
Leonhardt.
His closest friend. His sworn brother in arms.
And yet—
Leonhardt stood beside the king, wearing royal armor.
"You betrayed us, Arin," Leonhardt said coldly. "You abandoned your duty."
"No," Arin's past self whispered. "I protected Evelyn."
The nobles gasped.
King Aldric's expression darkened. "So you admit it."
A squad of royal knights stepped forward, blades gleaming.
"Seize him."
The memory shattered into fragments of battle—
Steel clashed. Blood splattered across the marble floor.
Arin fought, cutting through enemy after enemy—
But then—
A blade pierced his back.
He turned, gasping—
Leonhardt's cold eyes stared back at him.
"Forgive me, Arin."
Darkness swallowed everything.
---
[Memory Restored!]
Arin collapsed to his knees, gasping as the golden light faded. His mind reeled.
"Leonhardt… betrayed me?"
The truth hit like a blade to the chest.
His best friend had delivered the final blow.
And Evelyn—
Her execution had been because of him.
The chains around her shattered.
Her golden eyes opened, filled with sorrow.
"You remember now, don't you?" she whispered.
Arin clenched his fists.
This wasn't over.
Now, he had to find Leonhardt.
And this time—
There would be no forgiveness.
---
[TO BE CONTINUED…]