The Lost Crown: A Fate Unwritten
Part 2 – Shadows of the Past
Elara wakes up in a dimly lit room, her mind still foggy from the vision she experienced. She is in a rundown motel, safe for now. A knock at the door startles her.
???
Open up, Elara. It’s me
Elara
(tense) How did you find me, Kieran?
Kieran
You’re not as good at hiding as you think. Open the door before I pick the lock.
(Elara hesitates but finally unlocks the door. Kieran steps in, his usual smirk fading as he notices the unease in her eyes.)
Kieran
You look like hell. What happened?
Elara
Just… another dream. Or memory. I don’t even know anymore.
Kieran
You mean the same ones you refuse to talk about?
Elara
This one was different. More vivid. I was someone else. A princess. And… someone was calling my name.
Kieran
A princess, huh? And let me guess, there was a prince, too?
Elara
It’s not funny, Kieran.
Kieran
I know. But you need to be careful. If your past is waking up, that means others might be looking for you, too.
Elara
I think they already are.
(Just then, Elara’s phone buzzes. A blocked number. She hesitates before answering.)
???
(distorted voice) The crown must return to its rightful place, Elara. Time is running out.
(The call disconnects. A chill runs down her spine.)
Kieran
(frowning) Who was that?
Elara
I think… someone who knows who I really am.
Silence settles in, heavy and suffocating. Kieran watches as Elara’s hands clench into fists.
Kieran
We need to leave. Now.
Kieran
This isn’t about running, Elara. Someone out there knows about you.
Kieran
About your past. And trust me, if they’re reaching out like this, they aren’t alone.
Elara
…Then what do you suggest?
Kieran
We find them first.
Elara
Easier said than done.
Kieran
Lucky for you, I have a few contacts who owe me favors.
Elara crosses her arms, studying him. Kieran was reckless, cocky, and more trouble than he was worth. But if there was one thing she knew for sure, it was that he never made empty promises.
Elara
Fine. But we do this my way.
Kieran
I wouldn’t expect anything less, Princess.
Elara glares at him, but the uneasy feeling in her chest remains. If someone truly knew about her past, then she had more to fear than just old memories. The hunt had begun… and she was the prey
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