chapter 28: shadows of a forgotten night
ren sat at the edge of the village well, the sun casting long fingers of light through the trees. his mind was restless, haunted by fragments — images slipping through his grasp like smoke. faces blurred and voices twisted, leaving him with an ache he couldn't name.
he closed his eyes, forcing himself to remember. a flash: cold rain pounding his skin. a sudden jolt in his chest. a sharp pain, like a knife. then darkness. waking up on the road.
"why can't i remember?" he whispered to himself, frustration tightening his chest. the pride within him rebelled against this weakness — this gaping hole in his mind. how could he be strong if he didn't even know what happened?
the village was quiet now, but inside ren's head, a storm raged. every attempt to recall brought only shards — broken memories that hinted at betrayal, fear, and something darker. his pride pushed him to hide the doubt, to mask the fear with anger.
"you're not weak," a soft voice called.
ren opened his eyes. maya stood nearby, watching him with concern. "you look like you're fighting yourself."
he shook his head, trying to appear calm. "i'm fine."
but maya didn't look convinced.
"what if… what if someone wants you to forget?" she said quietly. "maybe they erased your memories on purpose."
ren's heart skipped. the idea both terrified and intrigued him. who would want to hurt him? and why erase his memories?
he clenched his fists. "then i'll find them."
maya smiled faintly. "you're stubborn, but maybe that's good. just don't lose yourself in the process."
ren looked back at the horizon, determination burning in his eyes. whatever shadows haunted his past, he wouldn't run from them. his pride wouldn't allow it.