Much Stronger Than This

[Ayla's POV]

'You're stronger than this. Keep fighting!'

Aera's desperate voice echoes in my head as images of us begin to cloud my mind. Most are of me, but they aren't the me that I see when I look into a mirror. Instead, it's this beautiful, confident woman who almost glows with power.

Her eyes sparkle brightly with determination, and her whole demeanor exudes strength and determination. She's beautiful, and she glows with so much light that it's damn near blinding. Was this how Aera saw me?

'This is the real you,' Aera continues while the images continue to appear. 'You aren't the monster Barren is trying to make you out to be.'

Monster… That word is so loud, and it makes my heart squeeze painfully as all the voices from the past begin to echo it again and again.

No, I wasn't a monster. I was far from that, and I fought each and every day to make sure that I didn't end up like everyone claimed I would.

'So you finally realize?'

The voice is gentle, but it resonates within me so de