The faint chirping of birds stirred me awake, their songs blending with the soft rustle of the afternoon breeze brushing through the trees. I opened my eyes to the golden glow spilling through the window, stretching in slanted rays across the room.
My body felt rested, but a tight knot lingered in my chest, as though something clawed from within. I pushed myself upright, brushing my shoulder-length waves back from my face, the loose strands tumbling softly against my neck. The creamy shawl Helena had tucked around me slipped to my elbows, and I sighed, the silence pressing down on me.
This is it.
The dreams and memories clung vividly to my mind, refusing to fade even as I rested. They weighed on me, pushing me toward a choice I had been avoiding for too long. Kazmir deserves the truth.
Swinging my legs over the bed, the cool floor steadied me as I stood. My pale blue dress crinkled faintly with the movement, its soft fabric catching the evening light. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror—a pale face, shadowed eyes, and shoulders stiff with determination. He needs to know.
By the time I descended the staircase, the estate was awash in the soft hues of sunset. Golden light bathed the halls, melting into streaks of amber and rose that poured through the tall windows. The faint scent of dinner preparations drifted faintly through the halls, grounding me as I moved toward the terrace.
Kazmir stood near the garden's edge, his back to me. The glow of the setting sun outlined his broad shoulders and caught faint highlights in his unruly dark hair. He had rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, and the emerald-green tunic he wore shimmered faintly where the gold embroidery reflected the light.
He looked peaceful, lost in thought, the soft breeze tousling the lock of hair that stubbornly refused to behave. For a moment, I hesitated, my chest tightening painfully. What if this peace shatters? What if my words are too much for him to bear?
As though sensing me, Kazmir turned. His expression softened the moment his green eyes met mine.
"You're awake," he said gently, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Feeling better?"
I nodded, stepping onto the terrace. "I am. But there's something I need to talk to you about."
His brows furrowed slightly at the seriousness in my tone, but he didn't question it. Instead, he stepped closer, offering me his hand. "Come," he said softly. "Let's walk."
The garden was quiet, bathed in the warm hues of the dying sun. The golden glow gave way to deeper shades of orange and pink as the first stars began to blink in the sky. The faint hum of crickets mingled with the cool, fragrant air, heavy with the scent of roses and jasmine.
Kazmir walked beside me, his steps deliberate and unhurried. His hand brushed lightly against my back—a subtle reassurance that he was there.
As the silence between us grew, my nerves twisted tighter. Stopping in my tracks, I turned to face him, my fingers twisting together. Kazmir noticed immediately, his brows knitting together with concern.
"Amira?" he asked, his voice soft but steady.
"There's something I need to tell you," I began, my voice trembling. "About my past."
He froze, his green eyes darkening faintly as unease flickered in their depths. I could see the fear—the tension in his jaw, the faint tremor in his hands. He's afraid of what I'll say.
But he didn't turn away. He nodded, his voice steady but quieter. "Go on. Whatever it is… I want to hear it."
I took a deep breath, the knot in my chest tightening. "Kazmir… I remember things. Some of them are still blurry, but the important parts are vivid." I hesitated before forcing myself to continue. "I remember the assassins who came for me, the pain of the dagger… the way Alexios tried to save me."
Kazmir's shoulders stiffened, but he remained silent, his gaze locked on mine.
"I remember Theia," I continued, my voice trembling. "She was the one who saved me—saved my soul. She's the reason I'm here now, back in this body. She told Alexios that the journey would distort my memories and that nothing would ever be the same. And she was right."
Kazmir's brow furrowed deeply. "This Theia… she's the reason your soul could return?"
"Yes." My voice softened. "She saw what was to come, and she acted. She… she saved me in a way no one else could. Without her, I wouldn't be here, Kazmir. I wouldn't have found my way back to myself."
Kazmir nodded slowly, his hands clenching briefly before relaxing. "And your mother?"
The mention of my mother sent a pang of guilt and sadness through me. My voice cracked as I spoke. "I remember her too… Adira. She protected me—hid me from the world that would've used me. She gave everything to keep me safe."
Tears welled in my eyes as I continued. "I never told her I loved her. I never said it—not once. She deserved to hear it, and I… I didn't say it."
Kazmir reached out, his hand finding mine. His grip was firm but gentle, a steady presence in the storm of my emotions.
"She knew," he said softly. "Even if you didn't say it, she knew, Amira."
I nodded my voice barely a whisper. "Maybe. But it still hurts."
For a moment, the two of us stood in silence, the weight of my memories settling between us. Then, Kazmir spoke again, his voice quieter but steady.
"And Alexios?" he asked. "What does he mean to you now?"
I met his gaze, my heart aching at the raw vulnerability in his eyes. "He's part of my past. He was my anchor when I needed one, but that time is gone." I lifted my hand to cup his face, brushing my thumb gently over his cheek. "You are my present, Kazmir. You're the one I trust, the one who brings me peace. You're my home."
Kazmir's breath hitched, his hands trembling slightly as they rose to cover mine. "You… choose me?" he whispered, his voice breaking.
"I do," I said softly, tears spilling from my eyes. "I was so afraid you wouldn't accept me—that you'd push me away. I even had a plan with Papri… just in case."
Kazmir let out a shaky laugh, though it broke halfway. "You thought I'd let you go?" His voice cracked, raw with disbelief. "Amira… you mean everything to me. I could never—"
His words broke off as tears slid down his cheeks. Without hesitation, I leaned in and kissed his left cheek, where the tears had fallen, then his right. My lips lingered for a moment, as though to soothe the pain that spilled from him.
"Don't worry," I whispered, resting my forehead gently against his. "I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."
Kazmir let out a breathless sound—a mix of relief and quiet laughter—as he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. His voice trembled as he whispered, "Amira, I can finally say it now… I love you. Truly, fully, completely."
When he finally pulled back, I studied his face, a teasing thought escaping me. "Why is it," I mused, "that even after crying more than me, you still look flawless? It's unfair."
Kazmir smirked. "Genes."
I raised an eyebrow. "Genes?"
He leaned closer, his grin mischievous. "Yes, it's thanks to the former Duke and Duchess, I have this. And soon, in Aurelion, those genes will transfer—to our future mini Dukes and Duchesses."
I gasped, my face heating as I swatted his arm. "Hey, Kazmir!"
He laughed, catching my hand. "What? Planning ahead is practical!"
"Well," I teased, crossing my arms, "since it's a beach, I'll have to wear something appropriate… maybe a light garment that shows a little skin. It's only fitting, isn't it?"
Kazmir froze mid-step, his grin faltering as his eyes widened. "Wait—'a little skin'? What kind of garment are we talking about?"
I smirked and turned away, pretending to ponder for a moment. "As far as I can remember, in Aurelion, they wear light, revealing fabrics. I should wear those to accentuate my well-built physique so that it doesn't go to waste. In my world, they say, if you have it, flaunt it! Don't worry—you'll get used to it."
"Amira!" he groaned, trailing after me. "Fine. But only if you're with me every moment. Anyone who dares lay their eyes on you will be blinded—or imprisoned!"
I burst out laughing. "Kazmir! You're impossible."
He grinned, undeterred. "We could just rent the entire Azure Coast. Problem solved."
I face-palmed. "No, you won't. And you don't have to. Whatever I wear, Kazmir… I'll be yours. Always."
His laughter softened, his green eyes warming as he pulled me close. "Good. You can do whatever you want. Wear whatever you want. Go to places as long as with me. Because I'm never letting you go."
As we walked back to the estate, the garden lanterns illuminated our path, their warm glow a soft promise of brighter days ahead.