Echoes of Valor: A Love Remembered

CHAPTER 14

Whispers of rain tapped against the windows of Lady Alodra's villa as the mid-morning light filtered through lace curtains, painting fleeting shadows on the wooden floor. The room was quiet, save for the soft rustling of maps and letters Reya had spread across the dinner table. The candle's flicker mirrored the restless dance of her thoughts.

"Alex," Lady Alodra's voice floated into the room. Regal as always, she moved like she was part of the gentle breeze that carried her words. "You look as if you've seen a ghost."

Alesandrea paused, a letter between trembling fingers. "I wish it were a ghost, my lady. It might be less cruel."

Lady Alodra settled across from her, eyes keen and knowing. "You received news?"

"Yes. Reports say Terry's been seen on a forgotten island," Alesandrea's gaze fell upon the letter as though it could anchor her wandering hopes. "But how is that possible? After all these months, there's still no clear word."

"Have you ever heard of this island?" Lady Alodra asked, her tone like a librarian savoring an inquiry.

Alesandrea shook her head, dislodging a lock of hair from her braid. "Not a whisper until today. It seems a myth wrapped in salt and seafoam."

"The sea often guards its tales jealously," Lady Alodra mused. Her fingers traced an invisible pattern on the table. "You must go, though. Find the truth yourself."

Alesandrea met her gaze head-on, determination flaring. "I will, but the shadows haunt my steps. If he's alive, then why has Terry stayed hidden all this while?"

"A man adrift in a war's turmoil might lose himself," Lady Alodra replied with the weight of unspoken chapters between her words. "Or he might choose to be lost."

Alesandrea rose, the resolve evident in her posture. "I'd unravel this mystery, whatever the cost."

Lady Alodra stood with her, clasping Alesandrea's hands, the touch both gentle and stern. "Take care, my dear. The ocean respects none but the brave."

The docks reeked of adventure. Salt mingled with the chaos of barked orders and the chatter of seagulls. Alesandrea wound through sailors preparing vessels for mornings at sea, her eyes fixed on the weathered ship that would carry her to the island.

A familiar voice broke through the din. "Reya! You're not leaving like this."

At first Alesandrea was stunned hearing Terry's endearment echo through the bustling dock, a name she'd longed to hear but dared not hope was still tethered to him. She turned slowly, her heart racing, to find Matthias striding toward her, a determined look etched on his face.

"Matthias," she breathed, relief mingling with confusion. "What are you doing here?"

Alesandrea greeted, her heart racing at the unexpected confrontation. She brushed an errant drop of rain from her brow, forcing herself not to show any faltering resolve in front of him.

"You can't just sail into the unknown without telling someone," he insisted, hands slipping into his coat pockets, the familiar gesture a sign of his protective nature.

"I'm off to chase a ghost, Matthias," she insisted, trying to mask the turmoil beneath her steady expression.

"Is this wise?" Matthias gestured towards the ship, a weatherworn beast of burden more than a voyager's delight. "What if the island offers only mirage and storm?"

"Then it will have to do better than the storms that rage within," Alesandreacountered, her resolve a fortress impenetrable.

Matthias exhaled sharply, tugging at the sleeves of his seafaring coat. "Let me accompany you. If there are truths to uncover, let us bear them together."