The days that followed were filled with gentle movement, as if time itself was waiting for Ariel to say her goodbyes.
The Volvolk mansion glowed softly under the late summer sun. Servants hurried through the halls, packing boxes, folding gowns, and arranging documents. Ariel watched them from the balcony of her room, her heart steady but full.
Below her, the gardens were in bloom. Lavender, roses, and white lilies swayed under the afternoon breeze. Once, she had thought beauty like this would last forever. Now she understood how quickly it could fade.
Her mother, Eleanor Volvolk, came to her room with a folder of papers. "Your travel documents are ready," she said warmly. "The university in Country C has confirmed your admission. Serena's papers came through as well."
Ariel smiled. "Thank you, Mother."
Eleanor sat beside her, smoothing the folds of her daughter's dress. "You have grown so much, Ariel. I still remember when you used to beg me to braid your hair before school."
A soft laugh escaped Ariel's lips. "I remember. I used to cry if it wasn't perfect."
Her mother laughed too, but her eyes were bright with emotion. "You will do well, my dear. Country C is far, but it will open your world."
Ariel nodded. "I want to make you proud."
"You already have."
That evening, the Volvolks held a small farewell dinner. The long dining table glittered under the chandelier, set with crystal glasses and fine porcelain. The scent of roasted duck and jasmine tea filled the air.
Aunt Marianne Roden and her family were also invited. Ariel had expected it. Her aunt arrived wearing her most elegant smile, her eyes sharp as ever.
"My, how quickly time passes," Marianne said, taking her seat. "It feels like yesterday you were still in your school uniform, Ariel. And now you're off to Country C. Such a responsible young lady."
Ariel smiled politely. "Yes, Aunt Marianne. Thank you for your care all these years."
Her tone was light, graceful, impossible to fault. Yet something in her calm gaze made Marianne's hand pause midway through lifting her glass.
Serena leaned close to Ariel and whispered, "You've really changed, you know. I can't tell what you're thinking anymore."
Ariel chuckled softly. "Maybe I'm just learning to listen more than I speak."
Dinner continued with laughter and warm conversation. Ariel's father, Leonard Volvolk, raised his glass near the end. "To my daughters," he said proudly. "May their journey be full of wisdom and success. We'll be waiting here for the day they return stronger than ever."
Everyone clinked their glasses. Ariel's heart tightened at the sight of her family's smiles. She took in every sound, every face, every memory.
Later that night, when the guests had gone and the lights were dim, Ariel walked alone through the empty garden. The night air was cool, scented with rain and roses.
She stopped by the old fountain in the center of the courtyard, where moonlight touched the water in soft silver ripples.
"In my last life, I left this house with anger," she whispered. "This time, I leave with love."
Behind her, Serena appeared, holding two cups of tea. "Couldn't sleep either?"
Ariel took a cup and smiled. "Too many thoughts."
Serena looked at her sister thoughtfully. "You've become so calm, Ariel. It's like you're seeing everything for the first time."
Ariel looked toward the night sky where the stars stretched endlessly. "Maybe I am."
They stood in silence, the sound of water gentle between them. Tomorrow, they would leave Country B, their home, their memories, their first life.
Country C awaited them beyond the sea, a land known for its towering universities and sprawling cities of light. To most, it was a place of opportunity. To Ariel, it was something more.
A place to begin again.
A place where she would build the life that destiny once took from her.
She lifted her gaze toward the stars and whispered softly, "I am ready."