The Wielders.
The betrayal.
The war that had shattered everything.
“So, it’s true then,” Theo said.“He’s not letting go of his grudge.He’s going to take back what was stolen.”
Tavrik nodded grimly.“Which means the mortal realmwillsuffer.”
Before I could respond, Ice flooded my veins.Zaheera’s presence wrapped around me like a viper, squeezing until I could barely move.
“Are you getting closer, or have you already forgotten me?”
Her words dripped with venom.
“Perhaps I should show you what is at stake.”
A violent pull yanked me from my body.
I didn’t have time to even reach for Theo’s hand before he vanished, swallowed by the world disappearing around me.
The forest was gone.
I was… home.
The familiar scent of cardamon and cinnamon wafted through the air, mingling with the jasmine that always grew outside my mother’s window.
The wooden floors creaked beneath my feet while the walls bore memories I hadn’t realised I’d buried.
I ran.
Through the halls, past the open windows where sheer curtains fluttered in the wind.Past the dining table that still held the half-finished embroidery piece my mother had been working on before I left.
And then… There she was.
Time crystalised around the moment, suspending me in agony.
She sat at the edge of her bed, shoulders curved inward like a wilting flower.Her hands—those beautiful hands that had bandaged my wounds, braided my hair, and taught me to write—lay limp in her lap.
She stared through the window with lightless eyes.No recognition.No hope.Just the hollow ache of a heart that had been gutted and left to echo with loss.
She looked so much smaller.Fragile.A crumbled version of the fierce, laughing woman who had filled our home with song.
“Ummi,” I choked, rushing to her.“Ummi, I’m here.Look at me!”
She didn’t move.
I dropped to my knees, reaching for her hands, but she couldn’t feel me.
Tears carved glistening paths down her hollow cheeks.
“Elira… I miss you so much.The house is so quiet without you.I keep waiting to hear your footsteps, your voice calling for me.”Her voice cracked.“My heart aches for you.Please…pleasecome home to me.”
A sob ripped from my chest.I tried desperately to wrap my arms around her.To promise I would never leave again—that I would protect her from all harm.
But I was formless.A ghost haunting the edges of a life I could no longer touch.
“Ummi!”I cried.“I’m here!I’m right here!”
