My brain overheated and stopped working for a while. I don't know why. I remembered something, but it wasn't anything significant, just like before.
"I'm sorry."
Who did I say that to? And when? My mind searched through fragmented memories, but nothing solid surfaced. It was like chasing shadows—familiar, yet just out of reach. The frustration only grew, gnawing at me with every failed attempt to piece it together. The words had slipped out so naturally, but why? Why did they seem so important now? I tried to focus, to force the memory to return, but it was like trying to hold onto water with bare hands—impossible. There was no way to answer that question... except—
"Sister-in-law!" Julian sang as he knocked and opened the door at the same time, walking in.
"What?" I asked, glaring at him.
"I just came to check on you. You're so mean," he said, wiping his dry eyes. "After I carried you romantically and fulfilled your fantasies of me, how can you be so heartless?" he complained.
"What do you want?" I asked again, still glaring at him.
"How are you feeling?"
"The physician said it was nothing serious," I replied. I understood his concern, but why does he enjoy annoying me?
"Good," he said, stepping forward. "Better be healthy. Lucy won't like it if you're not," he added with a strange, almost scary tone. I slapped the hand he placed on my head and stood up.
"Where is she?" I asked, walking past him.
"But I'm here for you," he said, following me.
I've had this thought a few times since I came here, and every time it rings true: Julian is undeniably annoying. He always has this infuriating way of showing up unannounced, with that smug grin, acting as if the world revolves around his antics. Yet, as much as I hate to admit it, there's something oddly reliable about him. He talks a big game, always joking or making sarcastic remarks, but underneath it all, he's solid—someone you can count on when things get serious.
It's probably all an act to impress Lucy. I can see it in the way he goes overboard trying to charm everyone, but especially her. The thing is, though, I've watched him closely. Behind the jokes and the carefree attitude, there's a sharpness, an edge he keeps hidden. He's not as easygoing as he lets on, and I think he prefers it that way—always playing the fool to keep people from seeing what's really going on in his mind.
Still, it works for him. Lucy adores him, and honestly, good for her. She deserves someone like him—someone who'd go to great lengths to make her happy.
'Good for you, Lucy,' I thought.
But I have more important things to think about—much more important than my sister's love life.
I need to find Callum. He's the only one who can give me the explanation I've been searching for, the only one who holds the missing pieces to this puzzle. I'm certain he's the one who took my memories—there's no other explanation that makes sense—but what I can't understand is why. What did he stand to gain from stripping away pieces of my life, pieces that were mine and mine alone?
The events of the past few days have shown me that my memories aren't lost forever. They're buried, locked away, but not gone. If fragments of them can return, then maybe... maybe I can get them all back. But that won't happen by sitting here, waiting for the answers to come to me. As much as I wish I could stay in the safety of the present, the wisest thing to do is to confront the past. Even if I don't want to. Even if it terrifies me.
The next chapter of my story begins in Erries. That much I know. I spent two years there—two years that have vanished from my mind. If I return, if I face what happened in that place, then maybe I can fill in the blanks. Maybe I can unlock the memories that are just out of reach. It's a risk, but one I have to take. I can't move forward while living in the dark. If I'm ever going to make sense of this, I have to go back.
"Lucy," I called, barging in.
"You're awake! Are you okay?" she asked.
"I'm fine," I replied hastily. "I want to go back to Erries." Her eyes widened.
"You remember?" she asked, smiling.
"No, but it's coming back gradually. I might be able to remember everything if I go there since I stayed for two years," I said, and she nodded.
"I'll inform Kael first and prepare for your travel," she said.
"Are you sure you want to do that?" Julian asked. "This story isn't adding up. I believe there's a threat in the palace. Do you really think you should be walking back into it?"
As annoying as he was, he had a point. But...
"I don't want to sit in my ignorance any longer," I replied.
"Kael should be extra careful of the people around him," Julian said before turning to leave.
I'll be uncomfortable, but I have to go. I need to get my memories back, no matter what. I can't keep living in ignorance; that's not fitting for a female lead.
...
Writer's POV
Kael couldn't hold back his excitement. He couldn't believe it. Lilien had said she wanted to return to Erries—he couldn't believe it. Why would she?
He knew she still didn't have her memories, even though they returned temporarily that night. But that night had given him more hope than he realized.
A knock on the door pulled him from his daydream. He knew it was too early for news about Lilien's arrival.
"Your Majesty," a knight walked in and bowed. "We just received news from the Garhian gate guards." The knight hesitated, unsure whether to speak.
"What is it, Faraday?" Kael asked.
"Lady Lilien never arrived," he replied.
Kael's face paled at the news.
'Not again...'