The grand ballroom of the Laurent family glittered like a dream. Golden chandeliers illuminated the polished
The Kingdom of Velmora had not seen hope in many years. War had emptied villages.Famine had turned fathers
Rain dripped from the black stone walls of Ravenhold Castle. The sky above the kingdom was gray and lifeless
The laughter faded slowly. Not because they respected her. Because they expected her to break.
“She disappeared eight years ago.” The city noise faded around those words. Cars still passed.
“Where did you get it…?” Rain slid quietly from the little girl’s sleeve as she looked down at the bracelet.
“My mommy… she gave it to me.” The ballroom disappeared around her. The music. The voices. The chandeliers
Tank’s hands trembled around the old teddy bear. Not from fear. From recognition. “She said you’d pretend
The arena fell silent when the bull stopped. Dust moved around them in slow circles. The animal’s breathing
The bread stayed in his hand long after she let go. Small. Warm. Real. “What did your mother say… your name was?