Leah asked if I wanted to get away from here...
I didn't hesitate.I didn't want to be here anymore.
I took my sister's hand.
We arrived at what looked like a castle- white marble, smooth granite paths, trimmed gardens. Servants, staff... and Keith.
Her company must be doing well.
Keith bowed. I nodded back.He still had that same calculating gaze- like he was always dissecting the moment. I could never tell if he liked me or not.Leah, though... she was always open. Like a book.
Her feelings hadn't changed, huh?
I waited in the guest room.
Soft cushions.
It was quiet. Too quiet.I should've lived with her.It looks... lonely here.
That's when I heard it.
The window creaked open.
Someone climbed through.
Riven!
He stood on the sill, the hospital gown slipping off his shoulder, chest rising with shallow breaths.
"Riven?" My voice cracked with shock...and euphoria.
He climbed down and without a word,
He pulled me into him.
Tight. Too tight.
I felt him. Warm. Solid.
He was almost human now.
"Echo... I would like this story to continue too but..."
His grip tightened. His voice... too gentle.
"But what?" I laughed softly, two tears falling down my cheeks. I closed my eyes, hoping to stop the rest.
But something was wrong.
I couldn't feel him anymore.The warmth vanished.
I opened my eyes.
He wasn't there.
"Riven?" I whispered to the empty walls.I spun around. Nothing.
"Riven!" I screamed.
The door burst open.
Leah rushed in, eyes wide with worry.
She dropped to her knees beside me, gently cupping my tear-streaked face in her hands.
Her warmth. Her reality.
I stared down at my palms,Empty.
No Riven.No trace.
Leah's gaze flickered with pain, as if she couldn't bear my grief.
"Look at me," she whispered, lifting my face between trembling fingers."Here, okay? Stay here."
She pulled me into her arms.Tight. Desperate.Her fists clenched my shirt like if she let go, I'd vanish too.Her breath trembled against my shoulder.
I raised my hands, slow, unsure, and hugged her back.
What... just happened