Days passed, and Elira secretly kept the pendant with her.
Every night, she and Aren talked for hours.
He told stories about the ancient kingdom, magical creatures, and skies filled with flying ships.
Slowly, something unexpected began to grow between them.
Laughter.
Comfort.
A strange warmth neither of them understood.
One night Aren asked quietly,
"If I were free… would you want to meet me?"
Elira felt her cheeks warm.
"I think… I would."
The pendant glowed brighter.
"Then we must find a way."