CHAPTER FIVE
THE FOREST THAT REMEMBERS
To discover the truth, they had to cross the Memory Forest.
Every tree contained someone's memories.
Some belonged to kings.
Some belonged to children.
Some belonged to people who had died thousands of years ago.
Elara touched a tree.
Immediately, she saw her mother.
Her mother was younger.
She was standing in Aetheria.
And beside her was another woman.
Lyra.
Elara gasped.
"That's you."
Lyra nodded.
"We were sisters."
"But you look older."
"I've lived much longer here."
The memory continued.
Elara's mother held baby Elara.
A group of Guardians surrounded them.
One man said,
"The child must be sent away."
Her mother cried.
"She deserves a normal life."
Another Guardian answered,
"She will never have a normal life."
Then the memory changed.
Elara saw her mother carrying her through the first portal.
She whispered,
"Forgive me."
Elara pulled her hand away.
Tears rolled down her face.
Kael embraced her.
"You don't have to watch anymore."
Elara shook her head.
"I need to know."
Another memory appeared.
Her mother stood before Lyra.
"Promise me you'll protect her."
Lyra nodded.
"I promise."
Then the memory vanished.
Elara looked at Lyra.
"You kept your promise."
Lyra smiled sadly.
"I tried."
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