The curse had lifted, but it still felt unreal—a fragile dream that might shatter at the slightest disturbance. It had been a week since everything ended, since the chaos and heartbreak were left behind. Now, Jacks and you were lying in bed, the quiet hum of the world outside finally matching the stillness in your hearts. The faint glow of dawn filtered through the curtains, painting soft gold streaks across his face. His eyes, those piercing blue orbs that once carried the weight of a thousand lifetimes of sorrow, now held something lighter—something almost hopeful.

Your fingers idly traced the edges of his knuckles, feeling the roughness of scars and the smoothness of skin. He caught your hand mid-motion, pressing a kiss to your palm. “You’re thinking too much,” he murmured, voice low and raspy from sleep.

“I can’t help it,” you replied, your gaze meeting his. “Everything feels… different.”

He chuckled, the sound softer than usual. “It should. We’re free now. No more curses, no more destiny pulling the strings.”

Free. The word tasted sweet, yet strange. For so long, your love had been shackled by fate’s cruel games. Now, there were no barriers, no obstacles, just the two of you. It was exhilarating—and terrifying.

“I don’t know what to do with it,” you admitted quietly.

Jacks shifted closer, his arm sliding around your waist as he pulled you against him. “We take it one moment at a time,” he said, his lips brushing against your temple. “We’ve earned that much, haven’t we?”

You nodded, closing your eyes as you rested your head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. For the first time in what felt like forever, you allowed yourself to believe in the promise of tomorrow.