Chapter 56 - The Truth About MalacharMalachar removed his fractured crown.

Without it, he looked less terrifying.

Older.

Weary.

Almost human.

He placed the crown on the table.

"Ask your father why I exist."

Ethan turned toward Daniel.

Daniel said nothing.

Malachar continued.

"When the original Ethan entered the fracture, his memories separated from his body. The innocent part became you."

Ethan looked at his hands.

"And you?"

"I became everything he couldn't bear to remember."

Malachar's voice trembled.

"The wars. The sacrifices. The friends he buried. The children he couldn't save."

Daniel stepped forward.

"You're not a person. You're a corrupted memory construct."

Malachar smiled bitterly.

"Then why do I feel pain?"

The question silenced the room.

Ethan approached him.

"You said you could take me home."

"I can."

"Then why didn't you?"

"Because sending you home without fixing the fracture would destroy both worlds."

Ethan looked toward Daniel.

His father avoided his eyes.

"Is that true?"

Daniel finally nodded.

"Yes."

Ethan felt anger rising.

"Then why did you tell me I had to choose?"

"Because the alternative is far more dangerous."

Malachar pointed toward the thirteenth hourglass.

"The two worlds can survive if the original Ethan is restored."

Ethan frowned.

"What does that mean?"

Daniel's face went pale.

Malachar looked directly at the boy.

"You and I must become one person again."

Mira gasped.

Elara shook her head.

"No."

Rowan drew his sword.

Malachar did not move.

"If we merge, the fractured timelines will close. Our memories will become whole. The machine will finally recognize its creator."

Ethan's heart pounded.

"What happens to me?"

Malachar's expression softened.

"You will remember every life."

"And will I still be twelve?"

A long silence followed.

"No."

Ethan stepped backward.

Malachar lowered his eyes.

"You'll become the man you were before you chose to forget."

Ethan looked at Mira.

At Rowan.

At Elara.

Then at his father.

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He finally understood.

Saving everyone might mean losing himself.