The name didn't fade.
It lingered.
Not in the air—
But inside her.
Aetheris.
Liora's breath came unevenly as the echo of it settled deep within her chest, somewhere her current memories couldn't reach but her instincts refused to deny. Her fingers tightened weakly against Cairis's sleeve, grounding herself in something real, something present.
"…That's not my name."
The words came out quieter this time.
Less certain.
The man watched her carefully.
Not with sympathy.
Not with concern.
But with interest.
"…It wasn't always."
Cairis's presence sharpened immediately.
"…You've said enough."
His voice dropped, cold and controlled, but beneath it was something far more dangerous—warning.
The stranger didn't react.
Didn't flinch.
Didn't step back.
"…You can try to protect her from it," he said calmly, his gaze still on Liora, "but that won't change what she is."
Cairis's power surged.
Crimson energy pressing outward, distorting the air around them.
"…Careful."
