The Forgotten Flame

Chapter 1: The Unremembered

Eira's eyes fluttered open, greeted by an unfamiliar ceiling. She lay on a narrow bed, her head pounding and her mind foggy. She tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her back onto the pillows.

As she struggled to regain her bearings, a figure entered the room. A young woman with a kind face and a white apron over her dress approached Eira.

"Hello, miss," the woman said gently. "Welcome to the Kraelion Guard's encampment. You've been with us for a few days now. My name is Elara, and I'm here to help you."

Eira's gaze narrowed, trying to recall anything about herself or how she got there. But her memories were shrouded in darkness.

"Who am I?" Eira asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Elara's expression turned sympathetic. "We're not sure, miss. You were found unconscious on the plains, with no identification or clues about your past. But we're hoping you'll remember something soon."

Eira's frustration grew. She had no idea who she was, where she came from, or why she was here. All she knew was that she had to uncover her past and find a way out of this place.

As Elara helped Eira sit up and drink some water, a commotion outside the room caught their attention. The sound of boots echoed in the hallway, followed by a stern voice.

"Elara, the commander wants to see the redheaded woman now."

Elara's eyes widened slightly before she nodded. "I'll go inform him you're awake, miss."

Eira's mind raced as Elara hurried out of the room. Who was this commander, and what did he want with her?

Moments later, Elara returned with a tall, brooding man in a black uniform. His piercing blue eyes fixed on Eira, and his jawline seemed chiseled from granite.

"This is Commander Arin of the Kraelion Guard," Elara introduced. "He has questions for you, miss."

Arin's gaze narrowed. "So, you're awake. Good. We need answers. Who are you, and what were you doing on the plains?"

Eira shook her head, frustration mounting. "I...I don't know. I can't remember anything."

Arin's expression turned skeptical. "We'll see about that."

Arin's gaze lingered on Eira as if searching for any hint of deception. "Very well. We'll start with your name. What do you call yourself?"

Eira's mind raced, but her memories remained shrouded in darkness. "I...I don't know. I can't remember."

Arin's eyes narrowed. "No name, no past. Convenient."

Eira bristled at his tone. "I'm telling the truth! I don't know who I am or how I got here."

Arin's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "We'll uncover your secrets, Eira. In the meantime, you'll join the Kraelion Guard as a maid. It's the best way to keep you safe while we investigate your past."

Eira's protests were cut short as Arin turned to Elara. "Assign her to the castle staff. And Elara?"

"Yes, Commander?"

"Keep a close eye on her. I have a feeling she's more than she seems."

With that, Arin turned and left the room, leaving Eira feeling like a puzzle to be solved.

Eira's mind raced as Elara helped her out of bed and led her to a small dressing room. "What's going on, Elara? Why does the commander think I'm a threat?"

Elara's expression was sympathetic. "You're not a threat, miss. But the commander has to be cautious. We're in a fragile peace between kingdoms, and strangers are rare here."