Here is Chapter 36
Chapter 36: The Whisper of the Past
Moonlight poured into Prince Kimo's chamber, bathing the floor in a silvery glow. He lay on his bed, eyes open, yet lost in thought. The whispers outside the palace still echoed in his mind—rumors of Oki, the chaos, the lies, the silence. His breath was steady, but his heart was tired.
Then—everything went still.
The wind halted. Time paused.
A soft light emerged by the window.
Kimo sat up slowly, his heart thudding with a strange familiarity. A figure stepped out of the moonlight, clothed in flowing robes that shimmered like starlight, her long silver hair gently waving though no breeze blew.
"Mother…?" he whispered, his voice cracked with disbelief.
Queen Elira smiled softly, her spirit radiant with motherly warmth and deep sorrow. "You've grown, my son."
Kimo stood, frozen, not knowing whether to run to her or fall to his knees. "I… I thought you were—"
"I am not here as flesh and blood," she said gently. "But my soul has never left you."
He took a slow step toward her, tears pricking his bright eyes. "Why did you leave me? Why didn't you say goodbye?"
Her expression dimmed with pain. "I was taken from you, Kimo. Not by death… but by betrayal. I never wanted to leave you. Not for a moment. But I knew one day, your heart would find the truth."
Kimo clenched his jaw, his fists trembling. "Then why appear now?"
"Because the fire inside you is rising," Elira said, walking closer. "And I came to remind you—do not let it consume you."
He looked away, hurt clouding his gaze. "Everyone thinks I'm a monster… maybe I am."
She cupped his cheek with a glowing hand, and he gasped at the warmth. "No. You are more than blood, more than the power you hold. You are my son. You are light and storm, strength and mercy."
Kimo closed his eyes, leaning into her touch.
"Elira," he whispered, voice thick with emotion. "They took you from me. From father. Did he—was he—?"
"He was weak," she answered, sadness in her tone. "But not wicked. He still carries the guilt every day."
Kimo's eyes opened slowly, his voice hoarse. "Will you come back?"
"I cannot stay," she said, fading slightly. "But I will return when you need me most. Trust Oki. She knows more than you yet understand. And remember—your heart is the key."
Before he could say more, her spirit leaned forward and kissed his forehead.
The room filled with the scent of jasmine and the soft hum of peace.
"I love you, my son," her voice whispered as she disappeared.
Kimo sank slowly onto his knees, tears tracing silently down his cheeks.
He was no longer alone.
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To be continued…