A Bond Beyond Memory
League Sanctuary – Lazarus Pit Chamber
The water glowed green — eerie and pulsing, like it was alive. The chamber was silent, except for the gentle drip of condensation off the stone walls. Talia sat at the edge of the pit, her legs tucked beneath her, staring into the water like it could offer answers.
Behind her, footsteps echoed.
Peter entered, his boots quiet on the ancient stone. He didn’t announce himself. He didn’t need to. She always knew when he was there.
He approached, not like a warrior — not like a son. Just… like someone who didn’t know what else to do.
“I don’t remember this place,” he said quietly, his eyes on the churning green surface. “But it feels familiar. Like a scar.”
Talia’s lips pressed together. “It’s where you’ve come back. Many times.”
Peter tilted his head, watching her. “Why do I keep forgetting?”
She hesitated.
“Because I made you forget,” she admitted. “Every time your memories came close to the surface… I dipped you again. I was trying to protect you from the pain.”
Peter was quiet for a long time. Then he nodded, slowly.
“I believe you.”
She blinked, startled. “You do?”
Peter looked at her — not with hatred, not with rage. With something soft.
“I don’t remember everything… but I remember your voice. I remember warmth. I think I loved you… before the forgetting.”
Talia felt her breath catch.
“I still love you,” he said simply, as if it was the most natural truth in the world. “Even if I don’t know why.”
Tears welled in her eyes. Not from guilt this time — but from something more fragile. Something she thought she had buried long ago.
Peter sat beside her, close enough for his shoulder to brush against hers. Not seeking forgiveness. Not offering blame.
Just being her son.
“You never stopped being my child,” Talia whispered. “Not once. Even when you screamed. Even when you hated me.”
He leaned his head slightly against her shoulder, his voice almost childlike. “I don’t hate you. I don’t think I could.”
And in that moment — surrounded by the shadows of death and rebirth — there was love.
Not whole.
Not clean.
But real.
The Lazarus Pit could steal memories. Could poison minds. Could twist flesh and break identities.
But it could never kill the bond between a mother and her son.