The morning sun broke through the train windows as the landscape gradually shifted from the steep, rocky valleys of Sahana to the softer, greener contours of Valevein. The town unfolded like a forgotten lullaby—hushed hills, quiet roads, scattered rooftops that shimmered in dew.
Liora opened her eyes just as the train creaked into the station. Her head was still resting on Reyan's shoulder, and their fingers were gently intertwined between them. For a breathless moment, she didn't move.
But then, Reyan stirred.
His grey-blue eyes blinked open, confusion flickering briefly, until he realized where he was—and who was beside him. Their eyes met.
She quickly sat up, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Morning."
"Morning," Reyan murmured, voice husky with sleep. He blinked down at their joined hands. Neither pulled away right away.
Then he cleared his throat awkwardly. "We're here."
They exited the train and walked in silence down the familiar path toward her home. Birds chirped from the hedges. An old bicycle leaned against a flowering tree. And despite everything—despite the weight in their chests—there was something strangely peaceful about it.
Liora's house stood at the end of a quiet lane, whitewashed with blue shutters and ivy crawling along the edge of the roof. The wooden gate creaked as she pushed it open.
Her mother stood on the porch, wiping her hands on her apron. Her eyes widened as she saw the boy beside her daughter.
"Mom," Liora called, her voice light but unsure, "this is Reyan."
The older woman's eyes fixed on him—and something shifted in her face. A flicker of disbelief. Recognition. A memory buried deep.
Liora hesitated. "Do you remember Miss Sireina? Sireina Virelith?"
Her mother—Lyana Miravein—stilled completely. The color drained from her face. "Why are you asking about her?"
Liora glanced toward Reyan, then back. "Because… he's her son."
Lyana gasped. "He's—he's Sireina's son?" Her eyes welled up instantly, and her fingers flew to her lips. "Oh, my heavens…"
Reyan stood frozen.
Lyana approached slowly. "You… you should've told me sooner. The moment I saw you, I felt it. I felt her."
She pulled him into a sudden, trembling hug. Reyan stiffened—but then let her. The scent of lavender and something earthy filled his senses. He couldn't remember the last time anyone embraced him like this.
"I'm sorry," Lyana said, wiping her tears as she stepped back. "I—this is just… too much. I thought I'd never see anything of her again."
Liora stepped in, gently leading them inside. They sat around the low wooden dining table, and Lyana began to speak while they ate.
"Your mother, Sireina… she was my best friend," she said softly. "We were classmates. And after we married, our homes were right next to each other. You and Liora used to play together. You wouldn't remember—you were only four."
Liora's eyes widened. She looked at Reyan.
"You were inseparable," Lyana continued, smiling sadly. "And then… one day, they just vanished. No warning. No goodbyes. They didn't even leave a note. It was like they were running from something. I didn't hear from her for six years."
"And then?" Reyan asked quietly.
"She came back, briefly," Lyana whispered. "Said they were living far away. Said she had... responsibilities. She never explained. But after that, she would visit Valevein often. Always said she had work here. I assumed it was connected to the orphanage she spoke of… but now I'm not sure what to believe."
The silence sat heavy.
Liora finally said what they were all thinking. "Whatever happened… it wasn't random. There's something about Valevein your parents didn't want anyone to know."
Lyana nodded solemnly. "That's what I believe too."
She reached across the table, placing her hand on Reyan's. "You may not remember me, but I remember you. I remember the way you used to hide behind your mom's whenever someone new came over. And the way you'd chase after Liora barefoot in the garden. You were such a gentle boy."
Reyan didn't know what to say. Something was clawing in his chest—grief, warmth, and something terrifyingly close to peace. He didn't deserve peace.
"You've had a long journey," Lyana said gently. "Go rest, both of you. We'll talk more later."
Liora led Reyan to the guest room upstairs. It had old curtains and a freshly made bed that smelled of home. He sat down on the edge while she leaned against the doorframe.
"Reyan," she said softly.
He looked up.
"Is it weird that… I'm glad our moms knew each other?"
He blinked. His cheeks flushed. "A little," he admitted. "But… yeah. It's kind of nice. Like we're part of the same story."
She chuckled. "Exactly."
Their eyes lingered for a second too long. Then she turned away, saying, "Get some rest."
"Liora."
She paused.
"Thanks," he said, voice low. "For all of this."
She smiled. "You'd do the same."
As the door closed behind her, she exhaled deeply. Her heart was fluttering far more than she liked to admit.
Later that night, as she made her way to her room, she heard voices. Her mother. On the phone.
Liora stilled in the hallway.
"Yes," Lyana was saying, voice hushed. "He's here. Reyan. Sireina's boy."
There was a pause. Liora's heart pounded.
"No, he doesn't know yet. And neither does she. I haven't told them."
Liora felt a cold chill run through her.
Her mother's voice trembled now. "I don't know if we're doing the right thing, but it's too late to turn back."
The call ended.
Liora backed away silently, her mind reeling.
What was her mother hiding? Who was she speaking to?
And what truth was too dangerous to tell?
She returned to her room, closing the door gently behind her. Her hands trembled. She couldn't unhear those words.
Reyan, sleeping just a room away, had no idea.
But whatever the truth was—it was coming.
And it would change everything.