Chapter 3: The Memory Broker

Determined to uncover the truth behind the haunting visions, Lyra knew she had to dig deeper into Maris Harker’s memories. The fragments she had seen so far were just the tip of the iceberg, and her instincts told her there was something significant buried within the chaotic depths of Maris’s past. It was risky, and she was aware of the potential dangers, but the sense of urgency she felt was undeniable.

To navigate this treacherous path, Lyra decided to enlist the help of Kieran Dax, a notorious Memory Broker. Kieran was a morally ambiguous figure who operated in the murky waters of high-stakes memory trades. Known for his charm and his penchant for bending the rules, he was someone Lyra had worked with in the past, though she had never fully trusted him. His reputation for getting results, regardless of the means, made him a necessary ally in situations where traditional methods fell short.

Lyra’s decision to contact Kieran wasn’t one she made lightly. She knew his services came at a steep price, both financially and ethically. But she was desperate to find out what was driving the persistent whispers and disturbing visions.

The meeting was set for a secluded, dimly lit office on the outskirts of the city, a place where Kieran conducted his most clandestine operations. As Lyra entered, she was greeted by the familiar scent of polished wood and expensive cologne. Kieran was lounging behind a sleek glass desk, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he looked up with a smirk that hinted at hidden agendas.

“You’re looking more haggard than usual, Lyra,” Kieran said, his voice smooth and velvety. “What’s got you so worked up?”

Lyra took a seat across from him, trying to maintain her composure despite the storm of emotions churning inside her. “I need your help,” she said, her tone clipped. “I’ve been having… issues with a case. It’s more complicated than I initially thought.”

Kieran’s eyes glinted with curiosity, and he leaned forward, his smile widening. “Complicated, you say? That sounds right up my alley. What exactly are we talking about here?”

Lyra hesitated, choosing her words carefully. Revealing too much could jeopardize her investigation—or worse, put her in a vulnerable position. “I’ve been diving into a client’s memories, and there’s a presence that keeps appearing. It’s like someone—or something—is trying to reach me.”

Kieran’s smile turned predatory. “Interesting. So, you’ve seen something you can’t quite explain.”

Lyra nodded, her heart racing. “Yes. I need to go deeper into the memories. Find out what’s hidden.”

Kieran’s eyes narrowed, assessing her with a mixture of amusement and interest. “You know the risks. Diving deeper could expose you to things you might not be prepared for. The mind is a delicate thing, Lyra. Sometimes, seeking answers can lead to more questions—or worse.”

“I’m aware,” Lyra said firmly. “But I need to know what’s happening. I’m willing to pay whatever it takes.”

Kieran’s smile returned, but it was tinged with a hint of caution. “Very well. I’ll assist you, but remember this: What you’re looking for might not be something you want to find. Sometimes, the truth is more dangerous than the unknown.”

With Kieran’s agreement secured, they set up the memory retrieval process in one of his specialized, high-tech labs. The room was dimly lit, with sleek machines and monitors arranged in a precise configuration. Kieran handled the equipment with practiced ease, preparing the device for a deeper dive into Maris Harker’s memories.

As Lyra connected to the memory retrieval device, she braced herself for the plunge. The familiar sensation of slipping into another person’s consciousness enveloped her, but this time, the descent was more intense. She pushed past the surface memories, delving into the darker, more hidden fragments of Maris’s past.

The process was grueling. The boundaries between her mind and Maris’s began to blur, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish her thoughts from the chaotic flood of Maris’s memories. The deeper she went, the more disoriented she felt, as if she were losing herself in the labyrinth of someone else’s mind.

Then, she saw him again.

The man from her previous vision—the one she had come to know as Elias. But this time, the memory was different. It was not just a fleeting image or a distant presence. She was part of it. The scene unfolded around her, and she found herself immersed in a memory that felt more like a vivid dream than a mere recollection.

Elias stood before her, his storm-gray eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. The surroundings were shrouded in shadows, the scene imbued with a sense of urgency and unease. His presence was overpowering, and his voice, when he spoke, was both commanding and soothing.

“You don’t belong here,” Elias said, his tone laced with an enigmatic authority. “Not yet.”

He reached out toward her, his hand moving slowly, almost as if time itself were stretched thin. Lyra’s breath caught in her throat as she saw his fingers nearly brush against hers. The connection was electric, and she felt a profound sense of recognition—a deep, unsettling familiarity.

Before she could react, the memory began to collapse, disintegrating around her like mist being swept away by a strong wind. Lyra was pulled back into the real world, gasping for air as the sensation of Elias’s presence faded.

Kieran’s voice pierced through the disorientation, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity. “Are you alright?”

Lyra blinked, her heart pounding. “I saw him again. His name is Elias. He spoke to me.”

Kieran’s expression shifted, his intrigue deepening. “Elias. That’s a name I’ve heard before. It seems you’ve stumbled onto something significant.”

Lyra nodded, her mind racing. The name Elias stirred something deep within her—a sense of familiarity and fear that she couldn’t quite place. The vision had left her more confused than ever, but it had also given her a crucial piece of information. She needed to find out more about Elias, and why his presence felt so eerily familiar.

As she left Kieran’s lab, the whispers returned, louder and more insistent than before. *Find me. Remember.* The echoes seemed to chase her, growing more urgent with each step she took.

Lyra knew she was on the brink of something important, but the path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty. With Elias now a central part of the mystery, she was determined to uncover the truth, no matter where it might lead her.