Chapter 15: Ep 15 - Memory
A golden sun hovered over Frestco's horizon, but inside the Spire of Reformation, all light felt cold.
Kurumi remained chained, wrists raw, thunder dimming beneath her skin. Before her, in a crystalline stasis chamber, floated a woman with silver hair and eyes like polished stars.
Justin stood beside the chamber, expression unreadable. His crimson coat fluttered from the rising mana currents, and the hum of ancient machinery echoed through the vast sanctum.
"Who is she?" Kurumi rasped. "What... is this?"
Justin didn't answer at first.
Then he whispered: "Queen Fresha. The mother of Frestco. Ruler of the Celestial Court. And my mother."
He looked at Kurumi.
"Sera's mother, too."
Kurumi's breath caught. "But... Sera told me her mother died. She said her father raised her—"
"That was the lie she was given." Justin turned toward the crystal, fingers gently brushing the surface. "The truth is worse."
Kurumi's voice softened. "What happened?"