Alysia gasped for breath, her chest heaving as the images of her past faded. She pushed herself to her feet, trembling.
"What was that?" she whispered, her voice ragged.
"The price of truth," a voice answered from behind her.
She spun around to see Aragos standing in the shadows, his face grim.
"You—how did you find me?" she asked, still reeling.
"I followed you," he said simply. "I don't leave anyone behind."
Alysia's heart ached at the words, but she couldn't afford to let herself feel. Not here, not now.
"The Warden's tests are cruel," Aragos continued, his gaze flicking to the cavern's entrance. "This place is built to break people, to force them to confront their worst fears."
Alysia clenched her fists. "I won't break."
"You're stronger than you think," he said, his tone softer.
"But I don't remember," she said, voice cracking. "I don't remember anything anymore."
Aragos stepped forward, his hand reaching out to her. "You're not alone."