Whisper Of The Soulbound

Elira drifted over the sleeping camp, her translucent form silver under the moonlight. She didn't need to rest ghosts never did but tonight, exhaustion gnawed at her essence in a way she hadn't felt since her death.

Below her, Emelai stirred in her sleep, clutching the soul-touched dagger they had found days ago. The girl murmured something Asher's name and Elira felt a pang, sharp and strange.

It wasn't jealousy.

It was fear.

Fear that the girl who reminded Asher to live… might eventually replace the one who died.

She hovered near the edge of the cliff, overlooking the black valley below. The stars shimmered in reflection across the distant river. She used to love watching them with Asher.

When they were alive.

When everything still felt real.

A soft crunch behind her.

"Asher," she said without turning.

He stepped into view, eyes tired. "You always vanish when you're hurting."

She gave a hollow smile. "Old habits linger even after death."

He sat beside her, letting the silence stretch. The wind whispered through the rocks, carrying with it memories neither wanted to name.

"She's strong," Elira finally said.

"She is."

"She'll need to be stronger still."

"She will be," Asher replied. "We'll train her."

Elira hesitated. "And when I fade for good?"

His jaw clenched. "You're not fading."

"Don't lie to me, Ash."

He looked down. "I don't want to think about it."

"I do. Because I have to. You're still alive. You deserve to be alive."

"You were my heart, Elira. You are."

She turned to him, her hand hovering near his cheek but unable to touch.

"I died, Asher. I came back, yes, but I'm a memory clinging to your shadow. And shadows fade."

His eyes were wet now. "So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying… don't close your heart to her."

He recoiled slightly. "What?"

"She's not me. And she never will be. But she cares about you. Deeply. And you care too, even if you won't admit it."

"I still love you."

"I know," Elira said gently. "And you always will. But maybe… maybe one day, you can love again."

At dawn, Emelai found Asher sitting alone, eyes red but alert. He greeted her with a nod and offered a piece of dried fruit.

"You okay?" she asked.

He looked toward the horizon. "Trying to be."

Elira was nowhere in sight.

"She needed rest," Asher said, as if sensing her question. "Even spirits can burn out."

Emelai sat beside him. "I had a dream last night. About a woman made of stars."

Asher turned slightly. "That's… not a normal dream."

"I know. She told me I had power. That I had to remember."

He studied her. "Did she say anything else?"

Emelai hesitated. "She said… 'The soul is the key, but memory is the door.'"

Behind them, Liaen stirred. The fire was out. The wind was rising.

In the distance, the skies over Alsira flickered faintly just for a moment with a ghostly light.

Something was calling.

And the soulbound were listening.