LUCIAN
I stood alone in my room, gazing at the old photograph in my hands. It was a picture of Elara and me on our wedding day, our smiles frozen in time. The photo was from the 19th century, taken on a crisp autumn evening in October 1885. More like centuries ago in our own time.
My heart ached as I looked at her radiant face, her eyes sparkling with love and joy. It had been over 135 years since that day, and yet the pain of losing her still felt like an open wound.
But what struck me was the resemblance between Elara and a certain human girl I had met recently - Isla. The same piercing green eyes, the same raven-black hair, the same delicate features. It was uncanny.
I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing as I looked at the picture. I wanted Isla to be Elara, to have her by my s
