CHAPTER NINE
THE DOOR OF FORGOTTEN MEMORIES
To defeat the Hollow, they needed to reach the Door of Forgotten Memories.
The door was hidden inside an abandoned tower.
Darian warned them.
"Once you enter, you'll see the memories you've tried hardest to forget."
Elara looked at Kael.
"Then we'll go together."
They entered.
Elara saw herself as a child.
Alone.
Crying.
Calling for her mother.
She saw the day her mother disappeared.
She saw the first time people called her unstable.
She saw every moment she had felt unwanted.
Then she saw something she had forgotten.
Her mother returning to her bedroom.
Just before disappearing forever.
She had kissed Elara's forehead.
And whispered,
"I love you."
Elara began crying.
"I remember."
Kael held her.
Her mother had never abandoned her.
She had been protecting her.
Then Kael saw his own memory.
His father stood before him.
"You must protect the Heartbearer."
Young Kael asked,
"What if I love her?"
His father answered,
"Then you must protect her even more."
Kael looked at Elara.
They both understood.
Their love had been connected to destiny long before they met.
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