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Chapter 8: The Truth of the Past
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Ren paced the floor of his private chamber, his mind a storm of memories and plans. He'd been pushing forward with his ambitions, recruiting loyal followers, training the Shadow Guard, and defying the emissaries. Yet, despite the progress, one question weighed heavily on him: How much did Elara and Selene really understand?
They had been his closest friends since childhood, his most trusted allies, and he had kept them at his side even now. Yet, every time he mentioned his memories of betrayal and his past life, they looked at him with an unspoken question, as though on the edge of understanding something monumental but never quite able to grasp it.
It was time, he decided. Time to tell them the truth.
That evening, as the sun began to set, he sent messages to Elara and Selene, requesting they meet him in the secluded library wing at the heart of the castle. This was one of the few places where he felt they could speak freely, safe from the prying eyes and ears of the emissaries.
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Elara arrived first, slipping through the tall doors of the library and looking around with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Ren? You wanted to speak to us?"
"Yes," he replied, standing up from his seat by the large arched window. "This is a conversation that's long overdue."
Selene arrived a few minutes later, her gaze flickering between the two of them, sensing the tension in the air. "What's going on, Ren?"
He gestured for them both to take a seat, his face somber. "There's something I've been hiding from both of you, something I've kept from everyone until now."
Elara's lavender eyes softened with concern. "Whatever it is, you can trust us, Ren. We're with you, no matter what."
Ren took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I'm not the hero they think I am," he began. "I am the hero of Arden, yes, but my connection to this title goes deeper than they could ever know."
The two princesses exchanged a glance, and Selene crossed her arms. "Ren, you keep speaking as if you know the future, as if you know what's going to happen. Are you…?"
"I'm not speaking in riddles," he assured them. "What I'm about to tell you is the truth. The truth of a life I lived once before."
He looked out the window, the memories from his previous life swirling through his mind like shadows. "Ten years from now, I stood where I am now, chosen as the hero to protect this kingdom and all of the nations. I was taken from Arden, trained in the other kingdoms, turned into a weapon… and then betrayed."
Elara's brows knitted together in confusion. "What do you mean, 'betrayed'?"
"The emissaries, the other kingdoms — they used me to push back the monster hordes. When I became powerful enough to turn the tides of war, I fulfilled every one of their demands. But when my purpose was served, they turned against me," he said bitterly. "They branded me as a threat, a 'dangerous' hero who had outlived his use. They killed me using a forbidden relic, one powerful enough to destroy even a hero."
Selene's face paled, shock giving way to anger. "They… they killed you? After everything you did for them?"
Ren nodded grimly. "I gave them my life, my strength, my loyalty. And they repaid me by casting me aside, fearing that I would turn my power against them. They used me to crush my own homeland. They destroyed Arden — our kingdom, my family, and everything I had sworn to protect."
He let the weight of his words settle over them, watching as the reality of his past life registered in their eyes. Elara's face was a mask of horror, her eyes wide and brimming with sorrow, while Selene's fists clenched in rage.
"When I died, I thought that was it. I thought I'd lost everything," he continued, his voice soft. "But somehow, I woke up again. Back here, days before the awakening ceremony. I was given a second chance. And this time, I vowed things would be different."
A long silence fell over them. Elara's voice was shaky when she finally spoke. "Ren… all this time… you've remembered everything?"
"Every betrayal, every failure, every moment of helplessness," he replied, his gaze hardening. "But also every lesson. I know now that I was a tool, nothing more than a weapon for their ambitions. This time, I refuse to let anyone dictate my fate — or Arden's."
Selene looked at him with a mixture of sorrow and fury. "You went through all that… and you didn't tell us? You've been carrying this alone?"
"It's not that I didn't trust you," Ren said, his voice heavy with regret. "It's just that… I didn't want you to see me as a victim, or as someone burdened by the past. But now, with the emissaries watching my every move, I realize I can't do this without you — without you both fully understanding."
Elara reached out, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Ren, you're not alone. You never have to be alone in this again. We believe you."
A sense of relief washed over him, as if a weight he'd carried for so long had finally been lifted. He looked at them both, his expression softening. "Thank you. I know it's a lot to take in, but I swear, this time we'll protect Arden together. We'll ensure it thrives, free from the control of those who seek to destroy it."
Selene's eyes burned with determination. "They'll regret ever trying to use you, Ren. This time, we're taking the fight to them. And we won't stop until Arden is safe."
Elara nodded, her face resolute. "We'll stand by your side, Ren, no matter what it takes. For Arden."
Ren felt a surge of gratitude. They had accepted him, even knowing the grim truth of his past life. Together, they would ensure that Arden would not fall.
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The days that followed were filled with newfound purpose, the bonds between Ren, Elara, and Selene stronger than ever. With them by his side, Ren felt a renewed sense of confidence. He began sharing everything he knew with them — the tactics the other kingdoms would use, the hidden threats, the weaknesses he had once been too blind to see.
Their plans grew more sophisticated, as Elara and Selene brought their own strengths into the mix. Elara used her connections within the court to quietly gather information on the emissaries, keeping them a step ahead of any plots. She used her charm and intelligence to work behind the scenes, ensuring that Ren's every move went unnoticed.
Selene, on the other hand, threw herself into training alongside the Shadow Guard. Her fiery spirit and natural agility made her a formidable presence, and she quickly became a source of inspiration for the young warriors. Her dedication and determination reminded them that they were fighting not just for Ren, but for Arden itself.
With the three of them united, Ren felt his plans solidify. He wasn't alone anymore; he had allies who understood the stakes and were willing to fight by his side.
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One evening, Ren and Selene were in the training yard, sparring as the sun dipped below the horizon. The clanging of swords echoed through the yard as they practiced, Ren guiding her with his refined techniques while she matched his every move with an intensity that impressed even him.
"Selene," he said as they took a break, his voice filled with admiration. "You've come so far. You're becoming a true warrior."
She grinned, wiping the sweat from her brow. "If I'm going to fight by your side, I can't afford to be anything less. Besides," she added with a playful smirk, "I have to keep up with you somehow."
Ren laughed, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "With allies like you and Elara, I feel unstoppable."
As they stood there, catching their breath, Elara approached, carrying a rolled-up parchment. "I think you'll both want to see this," she said, her tone serious.
Ren took the parchment, his eyes narrowing as he read. It was a report on the emissaries' latest plans — a large-scale strategy meeting to be held at a secret location, involving representatives from each of the major kingdoms. They were planning something, something big, and Ren had no doubt that it involved keeping him under their control.
"This is it," he said, folding the parchment. "The perfect opportunity to learn what they're plotting… and to strike."
Elara and Selene looked at him, their expressions mirroring his resolve.
"What's the plan?" Elara asked, her voice steely.
Ren smirked, the spark of defiance flaring within him. "We're going to infiltrate their meeting, find out their true intentions… and if the opportunity arises, we'll send them a message they won't forget."
The three of them shared a look of mutual understanding, a silent vow passing between them. This was no longer just about survival or freedom; this was the beginning of their stand against those who sought to control them.
Together, they would face whatever lay ahead. And they would do it not as pawns, but as true warriors, bound by loyalty, defiance, and the promise of a future where Arden would finally be free.