As soon as she stepped out of the portal, the air shifted—less ancient, less charged. The weight of the shop seemed to lift from her shoulders. Behind her, the old man waved her off with a grumble, muttering something about troublesome brats. She didn't argue.
"Bye," She whispered, more to herself than to him, and began walking down the cobbled street.
She'd meant to head straight back to the castle.
But then she saw it.
A small stand nestled between towering buildings, its glowing sign almost surreal in the gloom: Ice & Cream.
She paused.
Ice cream?
Here?
'In the demon realm?
It looked impossibly out of place.
She didn't even notice her feet moving until she was standing in front of it.
As if something had pulled her—quietly, gently—without resistance.
The vendor, an old demon with tired eyes and careful hands, said nothing.
He simply met her gaze, as if he already understood.
She pointed at a cone.
He handed it to her with a nod.
She tapped her card against the device.
A soft chime confirmed the payment.
For a moment, she just stood there, staring at the swirl of pale cream in her hand.
Then she took a bite.
Cold burst across her tongue, spreading through her mouth like snowmelt.
Sweet.
Creamy.
A whisper of vanilla.
The sensation rushed over her like a wave—nostalgia, warmth, longing… and grief.
A tear slid down her cheek before she even realized it.
"…He really did love this," she murmured.
Not just love.
Obsessed.
Like a kid.
Eyes lighting up every time he saw it.
Dashing over with zero hesitation or any Shame.
She walked.
The streets blurred.
The cone melted in her hand, but she didn't care. Her mind was far away—trapped in memories she wasn't ready to let go of.
When she reached the castle gates, the guards didn't stop her this time.
They glanced her way, then looked elsewhere.
Maybe they'd learned their lesson. Or maybe… they feel it, now was not the right time.
She stepped inside.
The towering halls stretched before her—silent, cold, echoing.
Her footsteps were soft.
Unhurried.
Each one heavier than the last.
When she reached her room, she opened the door quietly and closed it behind her with a soft click.
She stood there for a long moment.
Then walked to her bed.
And collapsed.
Face-first into the pillow.
She hugged it close.
The ache in her chest refused to ease.
She had everything she'd wanted.
And yet… she didn't feel happy.
Since the day she arrived back in time, a single question had haunted her.
How had she regressed?
But now…
A thought stirred—quiet but certain.
She had an idea.
Her hand drifted up to her ear, fingertips grazing the cool curve of the earring.
She let them linger there, tracing the familiar shape. Then, slowly, her thumb slid over its surface as she whispered—
"Miracle…"