What happens in the Departed Realm, Stays in the Departed Realm

Plot Twist-The Universe Has Other Plans

The soft hum of the party buzzed around her, faint music and faint laughter mixing into something almost soothing. Madeline didn't expect anything tonight—not answers, not connections.

Just peace.

So when a warm, familiar voice called out across the garden path, she wasn't ready.

"Oh, well if it isn't Madeleine Auraeris the Third! It's been so long!"

She turned, instinctively straightening. A woman approached with boundless cheer, with a brightness to her voice that suggested this meeting mattered far more to her than to the world around her.

Her face was soft, kind. A little older.

Madeline smiled politely. "It's an honor to see you again, Liberty."

"You're too formal. Call me Libber," the woman said, smiling.

Madeline inclined her head slightly. "Libber, then."

"Or is it Madeline now?" Libber asked, squinting one eye. "I think Morro said you changed your name."

"Someone changed it for me," she replied, her tone light but steady. "Said it would suit me better. But... I still answer to the name I was given. Even if most people don't remember it."

Libber hummed. "Shame. Your full name had such elegance to it."

Libber snapped her fingers suddenly. "How is that fiancé of yours doing, by the way?"

Madeline froze at the question.

"I don't remember his name," Libber went on, oblivious. "I think it started with an 'F'? Maybe an 'R'? FSM, I don't even remember. It's been years since I've seen the words on those parchment letters you used to send your cousins."

Madeline tilted her head just slightly. "Wait... really?"

Libber laughed. "Of course! He and your future brother-in-law—the dramatic one were your whole world. You called them your sword and shield once. A blade for battle, and a shield for reputation."

"Nobody took your deaths well. Especially not Krux, Acronix, and your "dearest brother"."

She spoke like it was common knowledge.

"Krux and Acronix went mad. You know? 'Control time, control everything.' That's what they kept saying. You were the last family they had left. And you disappeared as quickly as the rest. They let their power consume them, believing their element could overpower even the Elemental Powers of Creation."

Madeline still hadn't said a word. She smiled awkwardly, like it was a topic she rarely spoke of.

"We were told your future brother-in-law—the one you were closest to—found scales near where you died. He assumed the Serpentine had attacked. That the Elemental Alliance did not keep their word to keep you out of our conflicts. That the Serpentine took advantage of you both. You and your fiancé had always shown mercy if they weren't hostile, but he thought your kindness got you both killed."

Lloyd's shoulders tensed.

"That was one of the reasons why the tombs were sealed again," Libber added softly. "It started with a conversation. He demanded justice."

"He?" Madeline prompted, her focus narrowing.

"At your funeral," Libber said, her gaze drifting toward the sky as if watching the memory unfold above them. "There was someone from your fiancé's side... someone young and well-spoken. The kind that didn't need to raise his voice to be heard. He wasn't there to strategize. Just to mourn. But he said something that lingered."