Amara’s feet sank into the velvet-soft carpet as she stepped toward Elian, her movements slow, cautious — as if waking in someone else’s life. The moonlight streaming through the crystal windows kissed the edge of her gown, which shimmered like falling stardust.
“Where am I?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Elian’s expression softened. “You’re home.”
She blinked. “No… no, I don’t understand. This isn’t real. I was in my room. In the city. I had… exams. My phone…”
Elian took a step forward, hands clasped behind his back. “That world was a dream, Amara. Or rather, a borrowed reality. You were hidden there. For your safety.”
Amara’s breath caught in her throat. “You’re saying my entire life was fake?”
“I’m saying it was incomplete,” he said gently. “And you’ve only just begun to remember.”
Amara turned away, hands pressed to her temples. Her heart thudded wildly in her chest, as memories — or were they dreams? — flashed through her mind. The sound of laughter in a moonlit garden. The feeling of holding someone’s hand and never wanting to let go. A wedding veil. A broken crown.
None of it made sense… and yet all of it felt true.
“I want answers,” she said, facing him again.
Elian nodded. “You’ll have them. In time. For now… you need rest. Your soul has traveled between worlds. That alone is no small burden.”
He moved toward the door, pausing only to look back at her.
“I promise I’ll explain everything. But I won’t force you to remember what your heart isn’t ready to face.”
As the door closed behind him, Amara sat on the edge of the bed. Her fingers traced the embroidery on her gown, her mind racing.
Amara’s Thoughts:
> What if he’s telling the truth? What if the dreams were never just dreams?
But… why me? Why would I be part of some royal fantasy world? I’m just… me.
The room was quiet, save for the occasional flicker of magic glowing from the lanterns on the wall. As Amara lay down, exhaustion pulling her under, a single name echoed in her head.
“Elian…”
Meanwhile, in the palace war chamber, Elian stood before a glowing map of the realm. A star-shaped kingdom floated midair, and cracks of darkness were beginning to appear across its borders.
“She’s here,” said a voice behind him. “But she doesn’t remember.”
“She will,” Elian replied firmly. “And when she does… the balance between the realms will shift.”
“And if she chooses the wrong side?”
Elian’s jaw clenched. “Then we lose everything.”
Far away, deep in the shadows of a cursed forest, a figure cloaked in red watched the stars flicker.
“So… the Moon Bride has returned,” she whispered, her voice like rustling leaves. “Let’s see how long her heart remains loyal.”
Elian’s Thoughts:
> I’ve waited lifetimes for you, Amara. This time, I won’t lose you again — not to fate, and not to war.
Outside the castle walls, two moons crossed paths — a celestial sign that destiny was in motion once again.
And this time, it wouldn’t wait for anyone.
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