CHAP 4
SS2 -
PART 2 â The Forgotten Fire
That night, Mara could not sleep.
They placed her in a chamber she had once walked past carrying trays of wine. Now it was hers.
Silk sheets.
Warm fire.
Gold candlelight.
It felt like a lie built too quickly to be real.
She stood by the window, staring at the palace gardens below.
And then she saw it.
The northern wing.
Blackened stone hidden behind ivy.
A place no servant was ever allowed to speak about.
Her chest tightened.
A memory flickeredânot fully formed, but sharp enough to hurt.
Smoke.
Screams.
A hand lifting her.
âRunâdonât look backââ
Mara pressed her palm against the glass.
âI remember,â she whispered.
A soft knock came at the door.
The king entered slowly, carrying a worn leather journal.
âI thought you might find this⊠difficult to read alone,â he said.
Mara turned.
âWhat is it?â
âThe records of the night you disappeared.â
Her throat tightened.
He placed the journal on the table but did not open it.
âI will not force you,â he said. âBut the truth was buried by people who feared what you are.â
Maraâs voice trembled.
âAnd what am I?â
May you like
The king looked at her for a long time.
âSomeone they tried very hard to erase.â
