EPISODE 17
THE FIRST PROMISE
Silence consumed the underground prison.
The ancient voice echoed through the darkness.
Elizabeth… do you finally remember why you left me here?
Her breathing became uneven.
I… I don’t know who you are.
The darkness remained still.
I know.
The reply carried no anger.
Only disappointment.
The cracks spreading across the stone walls widened.
Dust rained from the ceiling.
The glowing symbols flickered as though struggling to survive.
The copy beside Elizabeth grabbed her arm.
We don’t have much time.
But Elizabeth refused to move.
No.
She looked toward the shadow.
I need answers.
The newcomer watched quietly.
For the first time… you’re asking the right question.
Another piece of memory surfaced.
A cold chamber.
A circle of ancient symbols carved into stone.
Several frightened people.
And Elizabeth standing at the center.
She couldn’t see their faces.
Only hear their voices.
If the seal breaks… everything changes.
The vision disappeared.
Elizabeth pressed her hand against her head.
What is happening to me?
The shadow answered.
Your memories were hidden.
By whom? she asked.
Neither copy spoke.
Instead, both looked away.
The silence revealed enough.
Elizabeth slowly turned toward them.
You knew.
The first copy lowered her eyes.
We were trying to protect you.
Or protect yourselves? Elizabeth whispered.
Neither answered.
A deep vibration rolled through the corridor.
One of the glowing symbols suddenly shattered.
Its light vanished forever.
The shadow took another slow step forward.
For the first time, part of its face became visible.
Not a monster.
Not a ghost.
Just a tired figure surrounded by darkness.
Its expression carried centuries of loneliness.
Elizabeth felt an unexpected ache in her chest.
Why do I feel like I know you?
The figure smiled sadly.
Because once… you did.
Another memory broke free.
A trembling hand.
A promise spoken beneath the same glowing symbols.
I will come back when it’s safe.
Elizabeth’s eyes widened.
I said that…
“Yes,” the figure replied.
You believed you could return.
The prison shook violently.
More cracks spread across the walls.
The humming returned, louder than before.
The newcomer looked toward the ceiling.
The seal won’t last much longer.
Elizabeth stepped closer to the shadow.
What happens if it breaks?
The figure remained silent for several seconds.
Then it answered.
The truth will no longer stay hidden.
Before Elizabeth could ask another question, a loud crack echoed through the prison.
One of the ancient stone doors slowly opened by itself.
Beyond it…
There was only darkness.
And somewhere inside that darkness…
Something breathed.
Not loudly.
Not violently.
Just once.
As though it had been waiting for that door to open.
Elizabeth stared into the endless black.
Then a faint whisper drifted from within.
You were never the one who forgot.
The corridor fell silent.
Elizabeth froze.
If she had not forgotten…
Then who had?
TO BE CONTINUED…
