Determined to uncover the truth, Nyra returned to the Neo-Verse, her mind swirling with questions. Zayden was waiting for her at the observatory, concern etched across his face.
"You're back," he said, relief in his voice. "Did you find anything?"
Nyra took a deep breath, her gaze distant. "I found him. Kaelen. And he told me something that changes everything."
Zayden's eyes widened. "What did he say?"
"He said the Council erased my memories. That I wasn't always the Gatekeeper. I was part of a rebellion against them."
Zayden frowned, his fingers tapping on a holographic console. "The Council? But they're the ones who maintain order in the realms. Why would they—?"
Nyra cut him off. "Because I was a threat to them. To their control over the realms."
Zayden stared at her, disbelief flickering in his eyes. "Nyra, if that's true, then everything we know about the realms is a lie."
Nyra clenched her fists, anger and confusion churning inside her. "I need answers, Zayden. I need to confront the Council."
Together, they accessed the Nexus, the central hub where the Council operated from. As Nyra and Zayden approached the Council chambers, they were met with cold, calculating stares from the Elders.
"Gatekeeper," one of the Elders said, their voice dripping with authority. "Why have you returned?"
Nyra stepped forward, her voice strong. "I know the truth. You erased my memories. You took away my life and made me your puppet."
The Elders exchanged glances, their faces unreadable.
"You were dangerous, Nyra," one of them finally said. "Your actions threatened the stability of the realms. We did what was necessary to maintain order."
Nyra's heart pounded with rage. "You stole everything from me. But I won't let you control me any longer."
The room crackled with tension, and Nyra could feel the power of the Council pressing down on her, but this time, she wouldn't back down.
