《The Forgotten History》 Chapter-1 | The Forgotten History Chapter-1| The Forgotten Day Rowan woke to the chaotic hum of a bustling street. Neon lights flickered above, casting shimmering reflections onto the damp pavement. The faint smell of roasted chestnuts mixed with exhaust fumes, the kind of scent that belonged in a lively city center. Rowan blinked groggily, his body aching from lying on the cold ground. He sat up slowly, his head spinning as he tried to piece together where he was. Around him, the city seemed alive. Pedestrians hurried past, their faces illuminated by the glow of advertising screens. Towering buildings loomed above, their windows gleaming like stars. Across the street, a group of teenagers laughed, leaning against the walls of a small diner. Everything felt unnervingly normal, yet foreign. ¡°Why are you sitting here, sir?¡± Rowan turned to see a man standing over him, holding a steaming cup of coffee. The man¡¯s sharp suit and polished shoes contrasted sharply with Rowan¡¯s disheveled appearance. His face was warm, friendly, yet laced with curiosity. ¡°I...¡± Rowan hesitated. His voice was hoarse, his throat dry. ¡°Where am I?¡± The man raised an eyebrow, then suddenly burst into laughter. The sound echoed above the hum of the city. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re funny! You¡¯re in Tessalon, of course. Right in the heart of it!¡± ¡°Tessalon?¡± Rowan repeated, the word catching in his throat. He stood slowly, his legs shaky beneath him. ¡°No, that¡¯s not possible.¡± The man frowned, his expression softening. ¡°You alright, mister? Maybe you should sit back down. You look like you¡¯ve had a rough night.¡± But Rowan barely heard him. Tessalon. The name rang in his ears. Tessalon was a city, yes, but it was nearly 90 kilometers from his hometown of Asgard. He had never been there before. How could he possibly have ended up here? ¡°I was in my bedroom,¡± he muttered, more to himself than the man. ¡°I went to sleep. This doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡± The man offered a sympathetic smile before walking away, leaving Rowan alone amidst the bustling crowd. --- Rowan¡¯s mind raced as he staggered down the street. How could I have gotten here? Was I drugged? Did someone bring me here? The more he thought, the less it made sense. He needed answers, but more than that, he needed to get home. A train station loomed ahead, its arched entrance glowing under the harsh light of fluorescent lamps. Rowan quickened his pace, hope swelling in his chest. Inside, the station was alive with activity. Announcements echoed from overhead speakers, calling out destinations he didn¡¯t recognize. He approached the ticket counter, his hands trembling slightly as he leaned against it. ¡°Hello,¡± he said, forcing calm into his voice. ¡°I need a ticket to Asgard.¡± The clerk, a middle-aged man with graying hair, raised an eyebrow. ¡°Asgard?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Rowan said, his voice more assertive. ¡°Asgard. My home.¡± The clerk frowned, glancing at his screen as if searching for confirmation. ¡°Sir, I think you¡¯re mistaken. There¡¯s no place called Asgard.¡± Rowan froze. His pulse quickened, panic creeping into his voice. ¡°What do you mean there¡¯s no Asgard? Of course there is. It¡¯s the state that helped save Caldrith during the war. I served in its military!¡± The clerk sighed, his expression one of pity. ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t know what to tell you, but there¡¯s no Asgard. Never has been. If you¡¯re thinking of the war, that was Midgard¡¯s victory, not Asgard¡¯s. And you don¡¯t look old enough to have served in any military.¡± Rowan staggered back, his vision swimming. No Asgard? Midgard won the war? What is he talking about? He turned and stumbled out of the station, his heart pounding in his chest. --- Rowan¡¯s desperation led him through the streets of Tessalon, searching for anything that could make sense of this nightmare. His mind clung to one hope¡ªthe Great Library of Tessalon. He had heard of its reputation, its vast archives of knowledge. ¡°If this is some kind of trick, the library will have answers,¡± he thought, his resolve hardening. The streets blurred together as he hurried toward the library. His legs ached, and his breath came in short gasps. When he finally reached the massive stone building, its towering columns stretched into the sky like ancient sentinels. He pushed through the heavy wooden doors, his heart pounding with anticipation. Rows upon rows of shelves stretched before him, filled with books of every size and color. The scent of aged paper filled the air, comforting yet overwhelming. He didn¡¯t know where to start. ¡°Excuse me,¡± he called out to a librarian. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Before he could get an answer, a wave of dizziness washed over him. His vision darkened, his legs giving out beneath him. --- Rowan woke to find himself in a dark, windowless room. The only light came from a narrow vent high above, casting faint beams across the cold stone walls. His head throbbed, and his limbs felt like lead. ¡°Where am I?¡± he muttered, his voice hoarse. Panic gripped him as he realized he was alone. He jumped to his feet as the sound of footsteps echoed from beyond the door. Frantically, he searched the room for anything that could serve as a weapon. The door creaked open, and a woman stepped inside. Her green eyes glinted in the dim light, and her lips curved into a sly smile. ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± she said, her tone calm and sweet. Rowan stepped back, his fists clenched. ¡°Who are you? Why did you bring me here?¡± ¡°Relax,¡± she said, holding up her hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t harm you. I saved you.¡± ¡°Saved me from what?¡± She smirked. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, you were wandering a little too close to answers you weren¡¯t ready for.¡± Rowan¡¯s anger flared. ¡°What are you talking about? I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s happening!¡± She ignored his outburst and gestured for him to follow. ¡°Come with me. There¡¯s something you need to see.¡± --- The woman led him through a series of winding corridors, the walls lined with ornate carvings that seemed to glow faintly in the darkness. The air buzzed with an energy Rowan couldn¡¯t explain. Finally, they emerged into a vast chamber that took Rowan¡¯s breath away. ¡°Welcome to the Great Universal Library,¡± the woman said with a flourish. Rowan stared in awe. The chamber was massive, its shelves stretching up into the darkness above. Books of every shape and size filled the shelves, their spines glowing faintly. At the center of the room stood a towering obelisk, its surface etched with intricate symbols. ¡°What is this place?¡± Rowan asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The woman smiled. ¡°It¡¯s a sanctuary. A place outside of time, where knowledge is preserved and protected.¡± She gestured toward a nearby window, and Rowan¡¯s jaw dropped. Outside was a swirling expanse of cosmic colors¡ªgalaxies frozen mid-explosion, stars that shimmered unnaturally. It was a sight he could barely comprehend. ¡°This library exists in another dimension,¡± the woman explained. ¡°A fragment of the universe frozen in time.¡± Rowan turned to her, his confusion giving way to awe. ¡°How... how is this possible?¡± The woman smirked. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, it took a lot of effort. But don¡¯t ask too many questions, or you might regret it.¡± Before he could respond, she began walking away. ¡°Explore if you¡¯d like. But don¡¯t touch anything you don¡¯t understand.¡± --- Rowan wandered the library, marveling at its scale. Every corner seemed to hold secrets beyond his imagination. He approached the obelisk, its glowing symbols pulsing softly. At its base were four hand sensors, arranged in a square. ¡°What is this?¡± he muttered. As he reached out to touch it, a strange sensation washed over him¡ªa hum deep within his chest, as if the obelisk itself were alive. He pulled his hand back, unsettled. His attention shifted to a lone book on a pedestal, separate from the others. Its leather cover shimmered faintly, and the air around it seemed to ripple. Drawn to it, Rowan stepped closer, but with every step, the hum in his chest grew louder. By the time he reached the pedestal, it felt like his heart was vibrating. Suddenly, an invisible force threw him backward, sending him sprawling across the floor. The book¡¯s title glowed faintly in the dim light: History of the Cronarchs and the Erased Timelines. A deep, resonant voice echoed through the library. ¡°You have seen too much, Rowan. Yet, not enough. Do you dare to uncover the truth, knowing it could unravel everything?¡± Rowan struggled to his feet, his gaze locked on the book. ¡°What is this? Who are you?¡± The voice chuckled darkly. ¡°The answers lie within the book. But beware¡ªknowledge demands a price.¡± Suddenly, the obelisk flared to life, its symbols glowing brightly. A booming voice echoed through the chamber: ¡°YOUR ACTIONS MAY NOT CHANGE THE PAST, BUT THEY WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE.¡± Rowan stared at the obelisk, his mind racing. Determination hardened his features. ¡°If I can¡¯t change the past,¡± he muttered, ¡°then I¡¯ll change the future.¡± Unbeknownst to him, the ancient mechanisms of fate had already begun to turn, and his choices would ripple across realities unseen. --- TO BE CONTINUED¡­ Chapter-2 | The REVELATION Chapter-2|The revelation?
If I cannot change the past, I will make sure to change the future! Rowan declared to himself, his voice steady with newfound resolve. "And I bet¡ªno, I know¡ªI will find out the TRUTH." He says trying not to be scared to death from the growling voice. His words echoed in the vast, eerie silence of the chamber. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps shattered the stillness. Thud. Thud. Thud. Rowan froze, his senses on high alert. He turned his gaze toward the massive gate ahead, where the footsteps seemed to be approaching. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± he called out, his voice firm yet laced with tension. No reply. The air grew heavier, the sound of the footsteps growing louder, closer. ¡°WHO IS COMING?!¡± he shouted, his voice bouncing off the chamber walls. Still no reply. His heart pounded as he took cautious steps toward the door. The echoes of the approaching footsteps reverberated like thunder, each one sending a jolt through his nerves. The door loomed closer, its intricate carvings seeming to twist and shift in the dim light. Suddenly, the door swung open with a deafening creak. Standing in the doorway was the mysterious woman he had encountered earlier. Her piercing green eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned casually against the frame. ¡°Did I scare you?¡± she asked, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips. Rowan exhaled sharply, his nerves calming slightly. ¡°Scared? Of course not!¡± he lied, trying to sound nonchalant. ¡°I was just¡ª¡± ¡°Shh. No more talking,¡± she interrupted, her voice firm but playful. Before he could protest, she stepped closer, pulling something small and cold from her pocket. ¡°Take this,¡± she said cryptically as she pressed the object against his neck. Rowan barely had time to register the icy sensation before a wave of dizziness overtook him. His legs buckled, and his vision blurred. His strength left him, and he collapsed into the woman¡¯s arms. As his consciousness faded, he managed to mumble, ¡°The pedestal... it talked to me...¡± And then, darkness. --- When Rowan awoke, his body felt heavy, as though it were submerged in water. He blinked, his vision adjusting to the dim light. The room was shrouded in near-complete darkness, save for a solitary lamp suspended high above, its faint glow casting long shadows on the stone walls. His ears rang faintly, but amidst the noise, he heard a soft voice¡ªa familiar one. ¡°Rowan, please... come home. They¡¯re waiting for you.¡± The words were barely audible, as though they were being whispered from a great distance. Rowan sat up abruptly, his pulse racing. ¡°Who¡¯s waiting for me?¡± he called out into the void. No answer. ¡°Who is waiting for me?!¡± he demanded again, louder this time. A figure emerged from the shadows¡ªa woman, her face obscured, but her stature and presence unmistakable. She stepped closer, her movements slow and deliberate. ¡°Who are you?¡± Rowan asked, his voice trembling with confusion and frustration. The woman didn¡¯t reply. Instead, she simply stared at him, her expression unreadable. Before he could press her further, she vanished into thin air, leaving behind only an eerie stillness. The wind rushed past him, cold and biting. Out of the corner of his eye, Rowan caught sight of another figure¡ªa young boy darting around a horse. The boy¡¯s laughter was faint, distant, as though carried by the wind. ¡°Hey, you! Wait!¡± Rowan called out, his tone urgent. The boy didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he continued to run, his movements erratic, as if he were caught in a loop. Rowan began to walk toward him, his steps hesitant at first but growing more determined. ¡°Hey!¡± he called again, his voice echoing. The boy finally stopped, turning to face Rowan. For a brief moment, their eyes met. The boy¡¯s gaze was intense, filled with recognition and longing, as though he had been searching for Rowan all along. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. But before Rowan could say another word, the air grew thick with fog. The mist swirled around them, dense and suffocating, obscuring the boy from view. ¡°The boy... he¡¯s gone!¡± Rowan exclaimed, his voice breaking. Suddenly, a sharp, searing pain erupted in his neck. It felt as though a burning brand had been pressed against his skin. He cried out, clutching at his neck as the pain consumed him. --- Some indeterminate time later, Rowan found himself standing in a void-like space. Above him, water shimmered, suspended in midair as though defying gravity. ¡°The water... it¡¯s moving closer,¡± he realized, his voice a whisper. He reached out desperately, his fingers brushing the cool surface. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t grasp it. His arms ached from the effort, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. Then, with a sudden jolt, he awoke. --- Rowan sat up with a start, his body drenched in cold sweat¡ªor was it water? He glanced around, disoriented. He was lying on the floor of the library, his clothes soaked through. As he regained his bearings, he noticed the woman from before sitting a short distance away. She was flipping through a book, her expression calm and patient. When she saw him stir, her face lit up with a delighted smile. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re awake! Finally!¡± she exclaimed, setting the book aside and rushing over to him. Before Rowan could react, she wrapped him in a tight hug. ¡°It worked! It actually worked!¡± she said, her voice brimming with joy. ¡°You didn¡¯t evaporate!¡± Rowan pushed her back slightly, his brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Evaporate? What do you mean by that?¡± The woman smirked, gesturing toward a nearby mirror. ¡°Take a look.¡± Cautiously, Rowan approached the mirror. His reflection stared back at him, unchanged except for one startling detail¡ªa mark on his neck. It was shaped like two triangles, one pointing up and the other down, forming a diamond. Inside the diamond, the word ¡°REWIND¡± was etched faintly, glowing with a soft light. ¡°What... what is this?¡± Rowan asked, his voice shaking. ¡°This wasn¡¯t here before!¡± The woman shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°Better not to ask too many questions,¡± she said with a wink. ¡°Your training starts tomorrow. Be ready!¡± ¡°Training? What training? And why won¡¯t you give me a straight answer?!¡± Rowan¡¯s frustration boiled over, his voice rising with anger. But the woman simply ignored his outburst, turning on her heel and motioning for him to follow. ¡°Come on,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯ll show you to your room.¡± --- Rowan followed her through a series of hallways, each one more ornate than the last. The walls sparkled with embedded gemstones, their colors shifting and changing like liquid light. ¡°This is the guest wing,¡± the woman announced cheerfully as she pushed open a door. Rowan stepped inside, his breath catching in his throat. The room was luxurious beyond anything he could have imagined. The bed was massive, draped in furs and silks that looked softer than clouds. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting warm, golden light over the room¡¯s opulent decor. ¡°Make yourself comfortable,¡± the woman said. ¡°But don¡¯t keep me waiting tomorrow. Your training begins at 8:00 sharp!¡± Before Rowan could respond, she was gone, leaving him alone in the room. He collapsed onto the bed, the soft furs enveloping him. His mind was a whirlwind of questions and doubts. ¡°I have never been this confused by a woman before,¡± he muttered to himself, staring up at the ornate ceiling. As exhaustion finally overtook him, one thought lingered in his mind: Why am I here? And what is the truth behind all of this? --- The next morning, Rowan was woken abruptly by the blaring sound of a horn. It wasn¡¯t just loud¡ªit seemed to vibrate through his very bones. ¡°Rise and shine!¡± The woman¡¯s voice rang out as she flung open the door. Rowan groaned, covering his ears. ¡°Do you have to be so loud?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she replied cheerfully. --- To Be Continued... Chapter-3 | Into The UNKNOWN Chapter-3|Into the Unknown
¡°Now get up, sleepyhead!¡± She mumbled at Rowan''s face. ¡°Why do I have to get up so early and why am I even being captured here?¡± Rowan said reluctantly as he has no choice whatsoever on decisions when he is under the grasp of this crazy woman. ¡°1st one-Training 2nd one- you will find out!¡± She said, giving a sly smile on her face. ¡°And I will get some stuff from the storage- when I come back I want to see you smooth and clean!¡± She said, her voice filling with excitement to the brim. ¡°That good and all but what are we even doing?¡± Rowan snapped ¡°We are doing Training Rowan TRAINING¡± she replied, this time showing a little bit of anger probably because of Rowan''s frustrated face. ¡°I guess you don''t know your full potential yet, you have a lot and mean A LOT to learn about what you can do or who you actually are,¡± She followed up with a rather more serious expression on her face than usual. ¡°What do you mean by ¡®Who you are?¡¯ I know who I am!" Rowan shouted, his voice trembling as if trying to convince himself. "I am Rowan Rivest, the great Asgardian warrior who fought in the war! I have a¨C" He froze, his breath catching in his throat. "I have a¡­ what do I have?" His voice softened, the rage giving way to confusion. His fingers clawed at his hair as his thoughts tangled in knots. "Artemis," he muttered, the name slipping out like a long-forgotten secret. "I remember something I have in Artemis, but what DO I HAVE? WHAT IS IT?" he screamed, his voice raw, cracking under the weight of his frustration. His knees buckled, and he fell to the unseen ground, his fists pounding against it. The darkness around him deepened, swallowing what little sense of space he had left. The air turned cold, suffocating. He could hear his heartbeat thundering in his ears, but even that rhythm felt wrong¡ªtoo fast, too desperate. ¡°WHAT DO I HAVE?¡± he howled again, his voice reverberating endlessly in the oppressive void. Tick. The sound was faint at first, distant and barely audible over the echo of his own anguish. Tick. Tick. Tick. The steady rhythm grew louder, sharper, as if a massive clock were suspended somewhere in the blackness. It sliced through the silence, each tick pounding like a hammer against Rowan''s skull. And then, from the void, a voice¡ªwarm, gentle, but edged with something sinister¡ªcalled out. "Oh, Rowan, where have you been, my child?" Rowan froze, his breath catching. The voice was faint, echoing from a direction he couldn¡¯t pinpoint, but it carried a strange familiarity, like an old melody he couldn''t quite recall. "It¡¯s good you came back," the voice continued, growing louder, almost excited. "I have to show you something. This is my latest and greatest invention. JUST LOOK AT IT¡ªIT¡¯S MARVELOUS!" ¡°Who is talking?!¡± Rowan roared, his voice cracking with frustration and fear. He spun in every direction, fists clenched, his eyes darting through the impenetrable dark. "WHY CAN''T I SEE YOU?" Laughter erupted from all around him¡ªwild, mocking, and echoing endlessly. It filled the space, ricocheting off unseen walls, piercing his ears like needles. ¡°IT¡¯S A PORTAL TO THE VOID! HAHAHA!¡± The voice boomed, gleeful and maniacal, the sound weaving itself into the darkness until Rowan couldn¡¯t tell where the voice ended and the void began. The laughter suddenly stopped, cut off as if by a blade. Tick. Tick. Tick. The sound of the grandfather clock returned, louder now, more insistent. It echoed in perfect rhythm, filling the void like a heartbeat. Rowan¡¯s head whipped around, searching for the source, but there was nothing. No light. No ground. Just him and the maddening, unrelenting ticking. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. ¡°Rowan¡­¡± The voice called again, softer this time. It was closer now, brushing against his ears like a whisper. ¡°Rowan, Rowan¡­¡± Rowan¡¯s body stiffened. The voice sent shivers racing down his spine. It was different¡ªno longer mocking, no longer filled with chaotic glee. It was... familiar, almost tender. A pang of recognition struck him, but he couldn¡¯t place it. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± he asked, his voice trembling. ¡°What do you want from me?¡± The ticking grew louder, faster, like the clock was running out of time. Rowan¡¯s chest heaved as the sound filled his head, drowning out his thoughts. ¡°Rowan,¡± the voice said again, sorrowful now, yet unrelenting. ¡°Rowan¡­¡± Suddenly, Drenched in sweat and with a racing heart, as if it is he woke up disoriented from the nightmare, unsure of where he was or what was real. He looked to his side, catching an eye at the lady, this time deep asleep. He looked around the room unsure of what was real or fabrication at this point of time, everything seemed real but also unreal, it''s like that nightmare-ish thingy had opened a third eye that could look behind the boundary of this world, as if it was like he could take a bird''s eye view at any point and look at bigger picture behind the scenes. Suddenly, the lady snapped aweke. ¡°Oh, so you didn¡¯t die after all!¡± she remarked, her lips curling into a sly, almost predatory smile, her tone laced with mocking amusement. Rowan¡¯s glare hardened as he stepped forward, his voice rising in a low, guttural growl. ¡°Listen, lady, I don¡¯t know who you think you are, but ever since you dragged me to this place, I¡¯ve been haunted¡ªvisions, dreams, whatever you want to call them. They won¡¯t leave me alone!¡± Her expression darkened in an instant, the playful smirk wiped clean. ¡°I brought you here,¡± she snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut through the tension like a blade, ¡°to fix the deed you have done!¡± Rowan¡¯s fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles white with frustration as he shot back, his voice a low rumble, brimming with barely contained anger. ¡°What the hell do you mean by deeds that I have done?¡± His eyes bore into hers, demanding answers, though the fire in her gaze didn¡¯t waver under his. "Oh my lord, I can hardly believe this! You are so utterly and completely out of touch, it''s almost laughable!" she exclaims, her tone dripping with a mixture of disbelief and condescension. "The last time I encountered a shard, at the very least he had retained his memory of what he¡¯d done¡ªhowever shameful it might have been!" Her voice, initially sharp, settles into an unnerving calm as she shifts her focus. Without missing a beat, she raises her hand with deliberate grace, her fingers outstretched as though commanding unseen forces. A faint hum fills the air, and from the farthest corner of the library, on shelf A-1.1, a book springs to life. It soars through the space like a bird in flight, cutting through the stillness with a sharp whoosh, before landing neatly in her outstretched palm as if summoned by sheer will. The entire act happens so swiftly, so effortlessly, that one might almost miss it if they blinked. She throws it too Rowan giving a side eye ¡°Read it then come back to me, I will be there at floor-2;1,¡± she said in calm voice Rowan looked at her as she walked out of the room, this time thinking curiously then he ever was before, what did she mean by ¡®The deeds have you done¡¯ and why can''t I remember my own past. ¡°I have more questions than answers right now¡± he said as he opened the book To be continued¡­.. Chapter-4 | Truth uncovered Chapter-4-Truths uncovered
The book looked rugged, almost to the point of tearing. Its spine was cracked, and the edges of the pages were frayed, as if it had been passed through countless hands over the centuries. The pages themselves were a mosaic of yellow and brown, stained by time and perhaps something more mysterious. The book had an aura of antiquity, as though it had been plucked from the shelves of a forgotten library in a fantasy novel. Rowan ran his fingers over the cover, feeling the texture of the worn leather. It was cold to the touch, yet it seemed to hum faintly, as if alive. He hesitated for a moment, then opened it to the first page. In elegant calligraphy, the title read: *Chapter 1 ¨C History of the CRONARCHS.* Below it, the text began: *¡°This world is not what it seems, not at all! This world is a carefully orchestrated opera, a grand musical where nothing is real. At this point, the world is so far removed from what it once was! We lost the prime timeline! We lost everything with the Great Reset! But I think you, yes you, the person reading this, are not caught up to the history. So, let¡¯s take a look from the beginning, shall we?¡±* Rowan¡¯s brow furrowed as he read the words. They were cryptic, almost nonsensical, yet they stirred something deep within him. A sense of unease crept into his chest, as though the book was tugging at memories he didn¡¯t know he had. He was about to turn the page when a voice interrupted his thoughts. ¡°Hello? Hello! Great, the mic still works!¡± The voice echoed through the library, emanating from speakers hidden among the towering bookshelves. It was a woman¡¯s voice, sharp and commanding, yet with a playful undertone that made it hard to ignore. ¡°Rowan! ROWAN! Can you hear me?¡± the voice repeated, louder this time. Rowan sighed, closing the book with a soft thud. ¡°Yes,¡± he replied, his voice tinged with frustration. ¡°Good, now come to floor 2.1, will ya?¡± she said, her tone shifting to one of mock sweetness. ¡°Coming,¡± Rowan muttered under his breath. He placed the book back on the shelf, though it felt strangely reluctant to leave his hands. As he turned to make his way to the stairs, something caught his eye. From the corner of his vision, he noticed that the obelisk¡ªa towering, ancient structure that had always stood in the center of the library¡ªwas missing. Its absence was jarring, like a gaping hole in the fabric of reality. Rowan paused, staring at the empty space where it should have been. Before he could process what he was seeing, the voice called out again. ¡°Rowan! ROWAN!¡± she shouted, her voice now tinged with urgency. Rowan turned to see a figure standing at the base of the stairs, waving frantically. Reluctantly, he walked toward her, his mind still preoccupied with the missing obelisk. The woman was unlike anyone he had ever seen. She was tall and lithe, with sharp features that seemed both intimidating and alluring. Her hair was a cascade of dark curls, and her eyes glimmered with an intensity that made it hard to look away. She wore a strange outfit¡ªpart futuristic, part archaic¡ªthat seemed to defy any known fashion sense. Despite her eccentric appearance, Rowan felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as though he had known her for years. ¡°Okay, I know one thing!¡± she said, clapping her hands together. ¡°You, sir, currently have a lot of questions on your mind, right?¡± She didn¡¯t wait for an answer. Instead, she gestured to the floor beneath them. Suddenly, the ground began to tremble, and the center of the library started to rise. The platform they were standing on ascended rapidly, moving through the countless floors of the library. Rowan¡¯s stomach lurched as they shot upward, the shelves and books blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. As they climbed higher, Rowan realized just how massive the library truly was. From the ground, it had seemed like a single, expansive warehouse¡ªperhaps the size of a billionaire¡¯s private collection. But from this vantage point, it was clear that the library was a vertical labyrinth, with floors stacked upon floors, each one brimming with books and artifacts. The sheer scale of it was overwhelming, like a monument to all the knowledge in the universe. Finally, the platform came to a halt with a loud *thud.* They had reached the rooftop of the library, and the sight that greeted them was breathtaking. The sky above was a swirling canvas of colors¡ªvivid blues, purples, and golds that seemed to pulse with life. The stars twinkled like diamonds, and the air was filled with a strange, ethereal light. It was as though they had stepped into a pocket of the universe frozen in time. Rowan was so captivated by the view that he almost forgot about the woman standing beside him. She cleared her throat, snapping him out of his reverie. ¡°Okay! We¡¯re here. Now, the questions you have¡ªask them,¡± she said, her tone suddenly serious. Rowan took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts. ¡°Okay, first of all, I don¡¯t know you, but I don¡¯t feel strange or unfamiliar around you. How? Second of all, who are you?¡± The woman smiled, as though she had been expecting these questions. ¡°Okay, okay! Take it slow. Don¡¯t rush. We have all the time in the world.¡± She paused, then held up a finger. ¡°First question: Why do you feel safe around me? You feel safe around me because of something I call the perception filter. It¡¯s a device I have attached to the back of my neck that helps me blend in with normal people. People see me, think I¡¯m strange, and then forget me.¡± Rowan¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°A perception filter? That¡¯s¡­ insane.¡± ¡°Insane, but true,¡± she replied with a wink. ¡°Second question: Who am I? I am what many people call a CRONARCH. Well, you could say I¡¯m the good kind of CRONARCH. The CRONARCHS rule the land of Caldrith with iron fists. They erase timelines that seem useless or irrelevant to them. They shape worlds as they see fit. But I decided against it, so they tried to erase the timeline I¡¯m originally from. Only two people survived and successfully migrated to the new timeline¡ªone is me, and the other is you.¡± Rowan stared at her, his mind reeling. ¡°Wait, wait, wait. You¡¯re saying I¡¯m from another timeline? And you¡¯re a¡­ CRONARCH?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she said, her expression softening. ¡°I know it¡¯s a lot to take in.¡± Rowan ran a hand through his hair, trying to process everything. ¡°Okay, so¡­ I think I need a little time to adjust to the things you just dropped on me. But I still have one more question.¡± ¡°What?¡± she asked, tilting her head. ¡°What is your name? And why was I saved with you?¡± The woman smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. ¡°My name is Aria Rivest. And I¡¯m your damn wife.¡± Rowan¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°My¡­ wife?¡± Aria nodded, her smile widening. ¡°Surprise.¡± She said, before putting her finger on his forehead The rooftop fell silent, save for the faint hum of the universe around them. Rowan stood there, staring at Aria, his mind racing with a thousand questions. But for the first time, he felt a strange sense of clarity. Whatever was happening, whatever this world was, suddenly, he fainted To be continued¡­¡­. Chapter-5 | Shattered Chapter 5: Shattered
Rowan woke up, this time not drenched in sweat, which was a rare occurrence. His body felt lighter, his mind clearer, though the fog of confusion still lingered at the edges of his consciousness. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the soft, warm light filtering through the room. The space he found himself in was unlike anything he had seen before. It was a medical room, but it had an air of elegance and comfort that made it feel more like a sanctuary than a clinic. The walls were lined with shelves filled with books, their spines worn and faded, suggesting they had been read countless times. A cabinet in the corner held an assortment of medicines, neatly organized in glass bottles and boxes. Beside it stood a few machines¡ªa blood pressure monitor, a heart-rate monitor, and another device he didn¡¯t recognize, its purpose a mystery to him. He turned his head to the left and saw her¡ªAria. She was asleep, her head resting on the edge of the bed, her dark curls spilling over her shoulders. Her breathing was soft and steady, and for a moment, Rowan simply watched her, a strange mix of emotions swirling within him. Then, it hit him like a tidal wave. The rooftop. The conversation. Her words. *¡°I am your damn wife.¡±* The memory rushed back, vivid and undeniable. ¡°SHE IS MY WIFE!¡± Rowan yelled, his voice echoing through the room, loud enough to startle Aria awake. Aria jolted upright, her green eyes wide with surprise. ¡°Why are you screaming?¡± she asked, rubbing her eyes as she tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. ¡°YOU ARE MY WIFE! LET¡¯S GOO!¡± Rowan exclaimed, jumping out of bed and dancing around the room like a man possessed. He laughed, a deep, unrestrained sound that seemed to fill every corner of the space. ¡°This pretty lady is my wife? Those pearly green eyes, immaculate black hair, with a slight touch of brown skin! I cannot believe it!¡± Aria watched him, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips, though her eyes held a hint of sadness. ¡°Well, I *am* your wife,¡± she said, her voice soft but firm. ¡°But you, mister, did NOT get your memory back.¡± Rowan stopped mid-dance, his laughter fading as he turned to look at her. ¡°What do you mean? I remember you. I remember the rooftop. I remember everything you told me.¡± Aria shook her head. ¡°No, Rowan. You remember what I told you, but you don¡¯t remember *us.* Not really. Not yet.¡± She reached out, her fingers brushing against the back of his head. Before he could react, she snapped her fingers, activating a small chip she had placed there on the rooftop when they first met in this timeline. The effect was instantaneous. Rowan¡¯s vision blurred, and a rush of memories flooded his mind. It was as though a dam had burst, releasing a torrent of images, emotions, and experiences that had been locked away for far too long. He saw himself with Aria¡ªlaughing, arguing, holding each other in moments of joy and sorrow. He remembered their life together, the battles they had fought, the timelines they had saved and lost. He remembered the day they had stood together, facing the CRONARCHS, knowing that their world was about to be erased. He remembered giving Aria the chip, the one that held his memories, and telling her to find him again, no matter what. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. ¡°Ohhh! I feel it! I remember it! Those times with you! Those precious times with you! I remember it!¡± Rowan said, his voice breaking as tears streamed down his face. He rushed to Aria, pulling her into a tight embrace. ¡°I remember everything.¡± Aria clung to him, her own tears falling freely. ¡°Oh, Rowan! You don¡¯t know how MUCH I missed you! It killed me, the realization that you might never recover your memories. That chip¡ªthe one you gave me before timeline A-6.7 got erased¡ªit kept me going for so long. Just imagine how I felt when I saw you on the road, stumbling about, with no idea who I was. It breathed new life into me.¡± Rowan held her tighter, his heart aching with the weight of everything they had lost and everything they had fought to regain. ¡°Don¡¯t cry,¡± he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. ¡°We are together now. And trust me, I won¡¯t let those morons erase anything or anyone again. I swear an oath today.¡± Aria pulled back slightly, looking up at him with those piercing green eyes. ¡°You mean that?¡± she asked, her voice trembling. ¡°I do,¡± Rowan said, his voice steady and resolute. ¡°I don¡¯t care how powerful the CRONARCHS are. I don¡¯t care how many timelines they¡¯ve destroyed. We¡¯re going to stop them. Together.¡± Aria nodded, a fierce determination lighting up her face. ¡°Together,¡± she repeated. For a moment, they simply stood there, holding each other, the weight of their shared past and the uncertainty of their future binding them together. The room was silent, save for the soft hum of the machines and the occasional beep of the heart-rate monitor. Outside, the world continued to turn, oblivious to the battle that was about to unfold. Rowan finally broke the silence. ¡°So, what now? Where do we start?¡± Aria took a deep breath, wiping the tears from her face. ¡°Now, we plan. The CRONARCHS are powerful, but they¡¯re not invincible. We¡¯ve faced them before, and we can do it again. But this time, we¡¯ll be smarter. Stronger. And we¡¯ll have something they don¡¯t.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Rowan asked. Aria smiled, a glint of mischief in her eyes. ¡°Each other.¡± Rowan grinned, feeling a surge of hope and determination. ¡°Then let¡¯s get to work.¡± As they sat down together, poring over maps, timelines, and strategies, Rowan couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. It was as though they had done this a thousand times before, in a thousand different worlds. And perhaps they had. But this time, it felt different. This time, they were whole. This time, they were ready. The shattered pieces of their past had been put back together, and though the cracks still remained, they were stronger for it. Together, they would face whatever came next, knowing that no matter how many timelines were erased, their bond would endure. For in a world where nothing was real, their love was the one thing that could never be shattered. To be Countineud...... Chapter-6 | Rememberence Chapter 6 | Remembrance
¡°Okay, so here''s the thing, I remember you and you only, nothing else¡­.¡± His voice was soft, almost hesitant, as if he were afraid of breaking the fragile silence that hung between them. ¡°You are the only memory that past me wanted to give you. I think he wanted us, in this time, to live happily ever after,¡± he said, towering over the planning table, his eyes searching hers for something¡ªunderstanding, perhaps, or forgiveness. She stood there, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable. The weight of his words seemed to press down on her, and for a moment, she looked away, as if the intensity of his gaze was too much to bear. ¡°But if you wanted us to live happily, it isn¡¯t going to happen. I got entangled in this mess again,¡± she said, a visible frown appearing on her face. Her voice was tinged with frustration, but beneath it, there was a hint of sadness, a longing for something that seemed just out of reach. He stepped closer, his presence warm and reassuring. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, really. If you have to get into this mess, then I just can¡¯t sit around and do nothing,¡± he said, his voice firm but gentle. He reached out, pulling her into a warm hug, his arms wrapping around her as if to shield her from the chaos that surrounded them. For a moment, she resisted, her body tense, but then she relaxed, leaning into him, her head resting against his chest. ¡°Yes, I suppose,¡± she murmured, her voice muffled against his shirt. She pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a mixture of curiosity and concern. ¡°So, you don¡¯t remember anything about the CRONARCH and what happened between the Order and us?¡± ¡°No,¡± he admitted, his brow furrowing as he tried to grasp at the fragments of memories that seemed just beyond his reach. ¡°Nothing at all.¡± She sighed, stepping away from him and pacing the room. Her movements were restless, her mind clearly racing. ¡°Well, then listen closely,¡± she began, her tone serious. ¡°Back then, in the beta timeline, we used to be a happy couple. But our job¡­ it was strange, perhaps even bad from a moral standpoint. The CRONARCH¡ªthey¡¯re a bit posh and strange. They use their power to forcefully erase families, lives, and other physical and living beings without a worry in the world. And you and I¡­ we were pureblood CRONARCH.¡± He blinked, caught off guard by the term. ¡°What¡¯s a pureblood CRONARCH?¡± Rowan asked, mid-conversation, stopping her in her tracks. She paused, turning to face him fully. Her expression was grave, as if she were about to reveal something that would change everything. ¡°The powers of a CRONARCH are predetermined. It all begins at the start of our universe. At that time, Caldrith was ruled with an iron fist by seven kings, each resembling the seven kingdoms.¡± She began to recount the history, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of emotion. ¡°Asgard, the Kingdom of Bravery; Midgard, the Kingdom of Loyalty; Jotunheim, the Kingdom of the Ambitious; Lumora, the Kingdom of the Most Intelligent; Artemis, the Kingdom of Technology; Eldoria, the Kingdom of Warriors; and Celestia, the Kingdom of Dark Arts. These seven kings ruled with absolute power, their ways becoming increasingly cruel as they discovered the power of Titan blood.¡± Rowan listened intently, his eyes never leaving hers as she spoke. ¡°Titan blood had the power to reshape, change, and conquer the universe. But the kings wanted it for only one reason: power. It drove them mad, to the point where they would execute anyone who opposed them without a second thought. Death was the only fate for those who dared to stand against them.¡± She paused, her gaze distant, as if she were reliving the memories herself. ¡°But a rebellion rose. This rebel group dethroned the kings using another supply of Titan blood that had been hidden from them. They were no better than the previous kings, though. You once said to me, ¡®They are just the previous blood in new skin.¡¯ After some time, they created the new CRONARCH Order, uniting all of Caldrith under one flag.¡± This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Rowan¡¯s mind raced as he tried to process everything she was telling him. The weight of their shared history, the complexity of their past lives, and the burden of their roles as pureblood CRONARCH¡ªit was almost too much to comprehend. ¡°So, what does that mean for us now?¡± he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. She turned to him, her eyes filled with a mixture of determination and sorrow. ¡°It means that we have a responsibility, whether we like it or not. The CRONARCH Order is still out there, and they won¡¯t stop until they¡¯ve achieved their goals. We were part of that once, Rowan. We were part of something that caused so much pain and destruction. But now¡­ now we have a chance to make things right.¡± He nodded slowly, the gravity of her words sinking in. ¡°And what about us?¡± he asked, his voice soft but filled with longing. ¡°What about the life we were supposed to have? The one where we were happy?¡± She looked at him, her expression softening. ¡°That life¡­ it¡¯s still possible. But not if we ignore what¡¯s happening around us. We can¡¯t just pretend that the past doesn¡¯t exist. We have to face it, Rowan. Together.¡± He reached out, taking her hand in his. ¡°Then we¡¯ll face it together,¡± he said, his voice firm. ¡°Whatever comes our way, we¡¯ll handle it. As long as we¡¯re together, we can get through anything.¡± She smiled, a small but genuine smile that lit up her face. ¡°I hope you¡¯re right,¡± she said, squeezing his hand. ¡°Because this is just the beginning. The CRONARCH Order won¡¯t stop until they¡¯ve erased everything that stands in their way. And if we¡¯re going to stop them, we¡¯ll need to remember who we are¡ªand who we were.¡± Rowan nodded, his resolve strengthening. ¡°Then we¡¯ll remember,¡± he said. ¡°Together.¡± As they stood there, hand in hand, the weight of their past and the uncertainty of their future hung heavy in the air. But for the first time in a long time, they felt a glimmer of hope. They had each other, and that was enough to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The room was silent, save for the soft hum of the machinery around them. The planning table was littered with maps, schematics, and notes¡ªremnants of their attempts to piece together the fragments of their past. But now, with the truth laid bare before them, they knew what they had to do. ¡°We¡¯ll start with the CRONARCH Order,¡± she said, her voice steady. ¡°We¡¯ll find out what they¡¯re planning and stop them before it¡¯s too late.¡± Rowan nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. ¡°And what about the Titan blood?¡± he asked. ¡°If it¡¯s as powerful as you say, we¡¯ll need to find a way to neutralize it.¡± She frowned, her brow furrowing in thought. ¡°That won¡¯t be easy. The Titan blood is closely guarded, and the CRONARCH Order will do everything in their power to protect it. But if we can find the hidden supply¡ªthe one the rebels used to dethrone the kings¡ªwe might have a chance.¡± ¡°Then that¡¯s where we¡¯ll start,¡± Rowan said, determination shining in his eyes. ¡°We¡¯ll find the hidden Titan blood and use it to stop the CRONARCH Order once and for all.¡± She smiled, a hint of pride in her expression. ¡°I knew you¡¯d say that,¡± she said. ¡°That¡¯s why I chose you, Rowan. Even when you don¡¯t remember, you¡¯re still the same person. You still have the same heart.¡± He smiled back, a warmth spreading through him at her words. ¡°And I¡¯ll always choose you,¡± he said. ¡°No matter what.¡± As they stood there, the weight of their past and the uncertainty of their future seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of purpose and determination. They had a long road ahead of them, but they were ready to face it¡ªtogether. The chapter of remembrance had come to a close, but their story was far from over. With the truth now in their hands, they were ready to write the next chapter¡ªone where they would fight for the future they deserved, and for the love that had endured through time itself. To be continued¡­.. Chapter-7 | The missing pieces...... Chapter-7 | The missing part¡­..
¡°But I feel like I need to clarify something,¡± Rowan said, his voice quieter than usual. He hesitated for a moment before continuing. ¡°I feel like our love is¡­ you know¡­ a bit hollow on the inside. Like, I love you, but I don¡¯t know why I love you.¡± Aria¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She had prepared for many conversations¡ªstrategies against the CRONARCHS, missions that could decide the fate of the war, even casual talks about what they might do if they ever found peace¡ªbut she had never prepared for this. Rowan sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. ¡°For you, it¡¯s different. You have memories of our previous life together. But I don¡¯t. I feel like I¡¯m supposed to love you, like it¡¯s written somewhere in the stars that I should¡ªbut inside, it¡¯s just¡­ empty. And I don¡¯t know why.¡± Aria swallowed hard, her throat tightening. ¡°I think I need to rest,¡± Rowan finished, his eyes searching hers for something¡ªmaybe understanding, maybe permission to leave. Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and disappeared into his room, leaving Aria standing there like a statue, frozen in place. She felt like a truck had hit her heart, leaving it broken and shattered into bite-sized pieces, scattered like debris from an explosion. But beyond the heartbreak, there was something else. Something was wrong with Rowan. His mind was fractured, his memories twisted. One moment, he was devoted to her, ready to stand against the CRONARCHS. The next, he was lost, questioning everything¡ªincluding her. ¡°Something is wrong,¡± Aria muttered to herself. ¡°Something is different about him.¡± A soft chime echoed through the quiet library. A holographic screen appeared in front of her, glowing with the crimson seal of the High Council of the CRONARCHS. Her stomach churned. MESSAGE FROM THE HIGH COUNCIL OF CRONARCHS > Dear Aria, Our beloved ex-council member, we have been monitoring your actions and noticed something¡­ nostalgic.Aria and Rowan, together again. Laughing. Dancing. Fighting side by side. Have you forgotten the lesson we taught you? Will you be able to tell him the truth?Will he trust you once he knows what you did? The damage will be irreversible. But there is still a way to fix everything¡ªor shall we say, erase everything? By the way, if you¡¯ve noticed Rowan acting like a jumbled-up wire¡­ just know that we made it happen. Until we speak again. Click the button below to reply. Aria¡¯s breath hitched. Her hands trembled as she reread the message. They knew. They were playing with her, dangling the truth over her head like a blade waiting to drop. If she told Rowan the truth now, everything they had built¡ªhowever fragile¡ªwould crumble. A thousand memories crashed into her at once. The screams. The blood. The moment she had made the choice that could never be undone. ¡°The CRONARCHS are right,¡± she whispered, almost convincing herself. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. With a shaking finger, she pressed the blue button and began recording a voice message. To: Sir Eryndor Subject: You were right ¡°How much can I praise you? You always put me back at square one with your little mind games, you piece of shit. Don¡¯t you remember what I did to you know who? You don¡¯t want that to happen to you, do you? So here¡¯s a little advice: stay out of our way.¡± She hovered over the ¡®Send¡¯ button, hesitating for a single moment before pressing it. Message Sent. She leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. --- 6:54 PM ¡°Ariaaa!¡± Rowan¡¯s voice echoed through the hallway. ¡°What do we have for dinner?¡± She turned to see him standing at the entrance to the dining room, looking like his usual self¡ªlike the man she loved. But now, every interaction with him felt like a ticking bomb, waiting to go off. ¡°Some fried chicken and sirpentious head,¡± she answered, forcing a smile. ¡°Oh, nice. Those are my favorites!¡± Rowan grinned as he walked closer. Aria felt her heart squeeze. Of course, they are, she thought. I should know¡ªI was the one who used to make them for you. ¡°Trust me,¡± she said, setting down a tray of food in front of him. ¡°I would know.¡± Rowan chuckled, sitting down and grabbing a piece of chicken. ¡°That¡¯s a lot of food.¡± ¡°Yes, now eat up,¡± she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She turned her gaze to the window, watching the golden meadow outside sway gently in the evening breeze. A peaceful landscape. A perfect illusion. Then, suddenly¡ª ¡°ARIA! WAKE UP!¡± Her eyes shot open. She was in the lab. The chair beneath her was cold and metallic. The dream had felt so real. She groaned, rubbing her temples. ¡°I really thought I got some peace, huh?¡± she muttered to herself. The clock read 5:46 AM. Any moment now, she would get a reply. Ding. Her stomach dropped. ¡®To: Aria Venn/Rivest Subject: Truth and Trust > Dear Aria, You still haven¡¯t learned any manners, have you?You think you can scare me with what you did to Alexander? That¡¯s amusing. It won¡¯t work anymore.We¡¯ve grown stronger, better, and more capable. Besides, we have the most powerful weapon in our hands¡ªRowan himself. Imagine what he will do when he learns the truth. He may not have his memory, but that fire inside of him? It¡¯s still there. All I need to do is ignite it.And guess who holds the lighter?You do. Your last name¡ªVenn. That name means more than you let on. You know that. The name of King Artemis himself. Sir Alexander Venn.But of course, you already knew that. Didn¡¯t you, Queen of Artemis?Just imagine Rowan¡¯s face when he finds out who killed his parents. Bye.¡¯ Aria¡¯s fingers curled into fists. No. No, no, no. They were trying to rip everything apart¡ªagain. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to steady her breathing. The walls were closing in, but she wouldn¡¯t let them win. Not again. But one thought loomed over her like a shadow, dark and consuming. If Rowan ever found out the truth¡­ Would he ever forgive her? Or would he be the one to destroy her first? ¡ª To be continued¡­. Chapter-8 | THE END... Chapter-8 | THE END? The clock continued its relentless ticking, a cruel reminder that time moved forward, whether Aria was ready for it or not. She sat in the dim light of the lab, the cold metallic chair grounding her as the latest message from the CRONARCHS replayed in her mind. The words cut deep, like shards of ice embedding themselves in her chest. Queen of Artemis... Imagine Rowan¡¯s face when he finds out who killed his parents... The thought was unbearable. The Rowan she knew, the Rowan who laughed with her, who trusted her, who had vowed to stand by her against the CRONARCHS¡ªhe would be gone. What would remain would be a hollow shell, filled with rage and betrayal. She stared at the glowing screen before her, its crimson hue casting long, sinister shadows across the walls. The last line of the message still burned in her mind: We have the most powerful weapon in our hands¡ªRowan himself. Imagine what he will do when he learns the truth. Aria¡¯s breath trembled as she closed her eyes, pressing her palms against them as though she could block out reality itself. But reality had sharp edges, and it refused to be ignored. Then, another chime. A new message. MESSAGE FROM THE HIGH COUNCIL OF CRONARCHS > Dear Aria, We understand the weight of your predicament. We are not without compassion. After all, we know the truth of your heart. And so, we offer you a choice: Reset the timeline. Erase Rowan¡¯s pain. Erase your betrayal. Begin anew, without the burden of your past mistakes. A clean slate. There is, of course, a cost. To rewrite the timeline is to risk everything you have fought for. Memories are fragile things, and once unraveled, they may never be woven together in quite the same way. But consider this: Wouldn¡¯t it be worth it to spare Rowan the pain of discovering the truth? To protect him from the knowledge that the woman he loves is the one who destroyed his family? We await your answer. Time, after all, is slipping away. Aria stared at the message, her heart pounding so violently she thought it might tear through her chest. They were offering her salvation¡ªor damnation. A chance to erase the risk of losing Rowan forever, but at a cost so high she could scarcely comprehend it. Reset the timeline... The words echoed like a siren song. To go back. To undo her worst sins. To rewrite history, to prevent Rowan from ever knowing the truth. But at what cost? She imagined it¡ªwaking up in a world where the war with the CRONARCHS had never begun, where she and Rowan could find each other naturally, without the shadows of betrayal and death looming over them. A world where she was not Queen of Artemis, where Rowan¡¯s parents were still alive, where they could simply be... them. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Yet, she knew better than anyone that rewriting time was never so clean. Memories were like threads in a tapestry¡ªpull one out, and the entire structure could unravel. There was no guarantee Rowan would find her again. No guarantee their love would survive the reset. She pressed her forehead against the cold metal of the lab table, her mind racing. What do I do? The door to the lab slid open quietly, and she stiffened. ¡°Aria?¡± Rowan¡¯s voice was soft, concerned. She quickly shut off the holographic screen, wiping her face before turning to face him. He stood there, shirt rumpled, hair tousled from sleep, his eyes soft but searching. ¡°You okay? You¡¯ve been down here all night.¡± Aria forced a smile, though she knew it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Couldn¡¯t sleep,¡± she whispered. Rowan took a step closer, studying her with that same intensity that had always unnerved her¡ªas though he could see right through her, straight to her soul. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong,¡± he said, not a question, but a fact. Aria hesitated, feeling the chasm between them grow wider with every heartbeat. ¡°I¡ªI just... I had a bad dream,¡± she lied. Rowan didn¡¯t look convinced, but he didn¡¯t press. Instead, he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. ¡°You don¡¯t have to carry everything alone, you know,¡± he murmured. Aria nearly broke right there, the weight of the offer from the CRONARCHS pressing down on her like a suffocating blanket. I do, though. I have to carry this alone. Because if you knew the truth, you¡¯d never look at me like this again. ¡°I know,¡± she whispered. Rowan kissed her forehead gently, lingering for a moment before pulling away. ¡°Come to bed soon,¡± he said softly. She watched him leave, her heart aching in ways she hadn¡¯t known were possible. When he was gone, she turned back to the screen. The CRONARCHS¡¯ message still glowed ominously. Reset the timeline... She stared at the words, the cursor blinking expectantly, waiting for her decision. She knew what was at stake. If she said no, the truth would eventually come out, and Rowan would never forgive her. But if she said yes... she could lose everything. Her finger hovered over the keyboard. What would you choose, Rowan? she wondered. But she knew the answer. Rowan would never choose to forget. He believed in facing the truth, no matter how painful. And that, Aria realized, was the difference between them. With a deep breath, she began to type her reply. To be countineud¡­..