Elias' story part 1

Lyra stepped out into the crisp morning air, the familiar sights and sounds of Ashborne Academy washing over her. The courtyard, with its meticulously manicured lawns and ancient stone pathways, brought a sense of comfort she hadn't realized she'd been missing. She took a deep breath, savoring the scent of dew-kissed grass and blooming flowers.

As she strolled through the courtyard, her mind drifted to Elias. She needed to thank him properly for his role in her rescue. With purpose in her step, Lyra made her way towards the dormitories.

The campus was beginning to stir, with sleepy-eyed students shuffling to and fro. As she rounded a corner, she spotted Elias helping a group of younger students move what appeared to be heavy luggage. His muscles strained under the weight, and Lyra couldn't help but notice the admiring glances from some of the onlookers.

"Hey, Elias," Lyra called out as she approached. "Do you have time to chat?"

Elias looked up, a smile breaking across his face. "Sure, give me a moment," he replied, hefting another piece of luggage.

As Lyra waited, a familiar voice caught her attention. "Lyra? Is that you?"

Turning, she found herself face to face with Morgana, the upperclassman who had first introduced her to Ashborne Academy. A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she remembered her first days at the school.

"How have you been?" Morgana asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.

Lyra hesitated, ashamed to admit the truth of her kidnapping. Instead, she opted for a half-truth. "I spent my lunar break away, doing some research. It was... quite an experience."

Morgana laughed. "Oh yes, I've heard! You've made quite a name for yourself in such a short time."

As they chatted, Elias returned, wiping his brow. "I'm free now, Lyra."

Morgana took her cue to leave. "It was nice seeing you, Lyra. We should hang out sometime!"

As Morgana walked away, Lyra realized how much she had changed. She was no longer the scared, timid freshman who had first arrived at Ashborne Academy.

Elias and Lyra began to walk, the morning sun warming their faces. "So," Elias began, "how are you feeling?"

Lyra brushed against him, her voice soft. "Thank you," she said simply.

Elias nodded. "Like I said, no problem."

Taking a deep breath, Lyra asked the question that had been burning in her mind. "I wanted to ask you... what happened? After I was taken?"

Elias's face grew serious. "Well, after the raid, we all woke up at dawn. Luciano and some of his henchmen warned us to stay out of Sanguine business. Everyone was confused and dazed, not knowing what had happened." He paused, his hand finding Lyra's. "Lyra... everyone forgot about you."

The words hit her like a physical blow. "What?" she whispered.

"I know, I didn't understand at first either. But as time went on, my memories started coming back. When I mentioned you, people didn't believe me at first. It was only those who weren't involved in the Nightfall raid who were unaffected. That's how I knew it was the work of a Sanguine."

Lyra listened, her mind reeling as Elias continued his explanation. He told her about his research, about contacting the school and even reaching out to her guardian, Selene.

"Selene responded that you were fine," Elias said, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I knew you had a bad relationship, but I never imagined..."

He went on to describe his efforts to convince the resistance club, the need for independent verification to be taken seriously. "I had to travel," he said, his voice filled with determination. "It was that or it was going to be over. I couldn't let that happen. I couldn't let you be forgotten."

As they walked, the weight of everything Elias had done to find her settled on Lyra's shoulders. She squeezed his hand, grateful beyond words for his unwavering belief in her.

"Elias," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "I don't know how to thank you. You remembered me when no one else did. You fought for me."

He turned to face her, his eyes meeting hers. "Lyra, you're my friend. I couldn't just let you disappear. But there's still so much we don't understand. The Sanguine, the memory manipulation, your guardian's role in all of this... We have a lot of work ahead of us."

Lyra nodded, feeling a mix of determination and trepidation. "You're right. But at least now, we're in this together."