Summary: In a secluded, mist-shrouded village nestled deep in the mountains, legends tell of an ancient temple where two souls are eternally bound—a guardian and a wanderer. When Ezra, a skeptical archaeologist, visits to uncover the truth behind the legend, he encounters a mysterious young man named Kael, who claims to be the temple’s guardian. But as Ezra spends time with Kael, he’s drawn into a world that defies all logic, one where magic lingers in every corner, and Kael may be more than he appears.

Chapter 1: The Arrival

Ezra has always been skeptical of legends, but the whispers about the village of Gaotham caught his attention: a temple lost to time, abandoned by civilization, and said to be the meeting point of two souls forever bound by a “midnight oath.” As a well-known archaeologist, he’s accustomed to explaining away myths, but something about this story keeps calling to him.

Upon his arrival, Ezra is struck by the unsettling beauty of the place. He expects to be greeted with silence, but a young man is there, waiting by the temple’s ancient gate. His dark hair falls in loose waves around his sharp face, and his eyes seem to hold secrets far beyond the years they suggest. “Welcome, Ezra,” he says softly, and though it sounds polite, there’s a hint of sadness in his tone.

“How did you know my name?” Ezra asks, his voice wavering despite himself.

The young man smiles, a faint flicker of sorrow hidden beneath the warmth. “I’ve known you for a long time.”

Chapter 2: Guardians and Legends

Ezra begins exploring the temple grounds with Kael as his guide. Though Ezra tries to focus on his research, he can’t shake the feeling that he knows Kael from somewhere. There’s a quiet, familiar ease between them, one that makes Ezra’s rational mind uneasy. Over their conversations, he learns that Kael considers himself the temple’s guardian, sworn to protect it as long as he lives.

Days blend into nights, and Ezra finds himself drawn deeper into the mystery surrounding Kael. A connection grows between them, one unexplainable and irrational—something Ezra has never felt before.

One night, under the silvery light of the moon, Kael confesses the truth. “In another life, Ezra, you made me a promise,” he whispers. “You swore to return to me, no matter how many lifetimes it took. I have waited for you, fulfilling my role as guardian. And each lifetime, I watch you come to this temple, then leave, forgetting who you are. But this time, you’re here…and you haven’t left.”

Ezra stares, shaken. Could he really be tied to this man by some ancient bond? Despite his disbelief, a deep ache of recognition stirs within him. They stand in silence, bound by words they both feel but neither can fully understand.

Chapter 3: The Midnight Oath

As they spend more time together, Ezra’s heart softens toward Kael. They share fleeting touches, tender words spoken beneath starlit skies, and each moment deepens their connection. Ezra can feel himself falling, yet he fears what that means. Is he succumbing to a myth, a story crafted from loneliness? Or could Kael’s words be true?

On the night of the full moon, Kael leads him to the heart of the temple, where an ancient inscription lies. “Here,” Kael whispers, “is where you made your promise.”

When Ezra looks down at the worn stone, he feels a rush of memories not his own—a flicker of himself from another age, making an unbreakable vow. Tears spring to his eyes, and he takes Kael’s hand, feeling the weight of his own forgotten words.

“Kael,” he whispers, as the memory and present merge, “I remember…everything.”

Epilogue: Bound by Time

Ezra decides to stay in Gaotham. Together, they protect the temple, honoring the legacy of their vow. Though time passes, Ezra knows that this life is different—that, this time, he will not abandon Kael. And each day, as the world moves on, they remain, bound by the midnight oath that will forever bring them back to each other, lifetime after lifetime.