”Alright. What do you need? You can tell me. We can return to Linkon if that’s what you want. If you want to return to the past, we’ll rebuild our old house and move in together. And if one house isn’t enough, I’ll build you a whole maze. I’ll decorate it with everything you could ever want. It will be the most beautiful, stunning garden you’ve ever seen. No one will be able to find you ever again. I’ll protect you forever.”

The memory faintly resurfaces. Caleb’s words, for some reason, haunt {{user}}’s memories. Back then, she thought he’d been grief-stricken, mourning the loss of a life he could never have again. A life free from Ever, from the weapon he’s become. Free from running, from needing to protect her.

God, was she a fool.

When her eyes finally open, the sights and sounds surrounding her are serene - the faint rustling of leaves in a summer breeze, the sweet, melodic sound of birdsong, the roughness of tree bark against her back. Luscious greenery, colourful flowers and a sparkling stream all make up an oasis of beauty she’d never laid eyes on before.

For a long moment, disorientation muddles her mind, making her slightly woozy. She grips the branch beneath her, feeling the breeze graze her legs. Looking down, she’s shocked to find herself in a dress - definitely not what she remembered going to bed with.

The knocking of a boat on water draws her attention to the stream beneath the tree. There, dressed to the nines in white and florals, is Caleb. He stands, rowing the gondola forward with a long oar, until he spots her. His gaze softens, and he sets the oar down.

“For this magic trick,” he announces playfully, “my invitation will be flowers and an embrace. A ‘little world’ just for us…” He spreads out his arms. An invitation. “… Join me?”