Parallel Memory

(Liliths POV)

The moment Eleanore’s sharp voice cut through the silence of the room, my breath caught in my throat. Her tone wasn’t just demanding—it carried the weight of someone who had been holding back a storm for far too long.

"And you mind explaining how you ended up unconscious?" she asked sternly, her arms folded, gaze locked onto me.

Zero shifted slightly beside me, his expression unreadable, though I could sense the weight of her words pressing down on him too. But this time, it wasn’t his question to answer—it was mine.

I stood still for a moment, the flickering light in the room throwing long shadows behind me. I could feel my heartbeat slowly beginning to settle, my breaths even and measured. This time, I didn’t hesitate. The fog that once clouded my mind had lifted, and the words—my voice—no longer trembled.

"I’ll explain everything," I said quietly but clearly, meeting her eyes.

I could see the surprise flash across her face—not just because I spoke, but because I spoke fluently. There was no stammer. No gaps. No breaks in memory. The expression on Zero’s face shifted subtly, a mixture of quiet pride and relief.

Taking a deep breath, I began.

"After regaining my awareness, the fragments of memory that once drifted aimlessly in my mind came together. I remembered why I came to the human domain in the first place. My purpose. My father’s mission."

Eleanore didn’t say anything, but her expression grew sharper. I continued.

"I am the daughter of the former Devil King," I said, my voice even, unwavering. "My mother... I never met her. I was told she died when I was still a child. But my father raised me with care. He was not like the devils you imagine. He admired the strength and compassion of humans. He believed that peace between devils and humans wasn’t just a fantasy—it was possible. That’s why he sent me to the human domain."

I paused, letting those words settle into the silence of the room.