The city of Marivelle was calm and unassuming, a place where life moved gently rather than with the relentless urgency of a metropolis. Its cobblestone streets and quaint shops, the quiet cafés tucked into narrow alleys, the gentle rhythm of daily life—all of it was a perfect backdrop for a love that had once been forced into shadows.
Liana and Eren had left the forest behind, stepping into this town with careful hope. The forest had been their sanctuary, but now it was time to build a life together in the world—even if the world might never fully understand.
Their new home was a modest apartment near the edge of town, overlooking a small park where children played and the air always smelled faintly of fresh bread from the bakery downstairs. It was far from the grandeur of Liana's family estate, but every corner of it was filled with laughter, warmth, and the quiet thrill of independence.
---
The first morning in their new home, sunlight poured through the window, casting golden light across the small kitchen. Liana hummed as she brewed tea, the scent of fresh leaves filling the air, while Eren set the table with a small, easy smile.
"Do you ever miss it?" he asked softly, glancing toward her. "The forest… the thrill of hiding, of escaping?"
Liana paused, spoon hovering over the sugar jar. "Sometimes," she admitted. "But only in a way that makes me appreciate this even more. We have freedom now. Sunshine, quiet streets, the ability to wake up next to you every morning without fear…"
Eren reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers across the table. "Exactly. And no trap, no shadow, no expectation can touch us here. This is ours. Everything we've dreamed of."
She smiled, a smile that was bright, carefree, and entirely hers for the first time in years. "Then let's make it perfect," she said softly. "Every single day, let's make it ours."
---
Life in Marivelle was a series of small, beautiful moments. They explored the town together, wandering down cobblestone streets, stopping to admire window displays, sharing pastries from the bakery, and sitting on benches in the park as the world moved gently around them. Every day was a quiet adventure.
One afternoon, Eren led Liana to the town's library—a tall, elegant building with sunlight streaming through its arched windows, illuminating rows of books.
"I thought you might like this," he said, voice tinged with amusement and fondness. "A place to dream, to escape, and… to plan for our future."
Liana's eyes sparkled as she ran her fingers along the spines of the books. "It's perfect," she whispered. "I could spend hours here. Thank you."
They spent the day exploring, reading aloud to each other in soft voices, sharing thoughts and laughter. It was a simple, quiet joy—but one that felt monumental after months of fear, danger, and secrecy.
---
Evenings were filled with playful intimacy. They cooked together, sometimes burning the simplest of dishes, but always laughing until tears rolled down their cheeks. Eren teased Liana mercilessly when she added too much spice to their stew, and she retaliated by flicking a spoonful of sauce at him, the playful skirmish leaving them both breathless with laughter and a brush of lips that lingered far longer than necessary.
On quiet nights, they sat by the window, watching the stars emerge in the darkening sky. Liana rested her head on Eren's shoulder, fingers entwined, heart swelling with the knowledge that they had survived, endured, and claimed a love the world would never bless.
"Do you think… one day, people will understand us?" she asked softly.
Eren's dark eyes softened as he pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. "Perhaps. But even if they don't, it doesn't matter. We have this life, this love. That's enough. Always."
---
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. They settled into a rhythm, each day bringing its own small joys, its own discoveries. Liana opened a small art studio in town, painting and creating works inspired by the forest, the sunlight, and the love that had carried her through every shadow. Eren supported her quietly, tending to errands, making breakfast, and providing a shoulder to lean on whenever the past crept in through memory or worry.
Their love was a tapestry of tender moments, subtle glances, whispered jokes, and quiet reassurance. Even the smallest gestures—Eren carrying her bag, Liana pressing her hand into his during a crowded market visit—were acts of devotion, threads weaving together a life of warmth, trust, and intimacy.
---
Yet life was not entirely without challenge. Occasionally, they faced reminders of the world outside their safe town: a distant figure resembling a Verden estate aide, a letter delivered mistakenly, or a subtle attempt to track Liana's family affairs. But each time, they met it together, their bond unshakable.
One rainy afternoon, while helping a neighbor carry groceries, Liana slipped on the wet cobblestones. Eren caught her immediately, arms tight around her waist, pulling her close. "Careful, my heart," he whispered, voice both tender and teasing. "I won't forgive anyone if you get hurt."
She laughed, pressing her forehead against his chest. "You're ridiculous," she said softly. "And I love it."
"I love you," he replied, voice low and full of devotion. "Always. Forever."
---
Weeks bled into months, months into a year. The seasons changed, painting Marivelle in different colors—golden leaves of autumn, crisp winter mornings, vibrant spring blossoms, and the warm, lazy days of summer. Liana and Eren's love matured with the seasons, deepening with every shared sunrise, every quiet evening, every challenge faced and overcome together.
One night, under a sky ablaze with stars, Eren took her hands in his, dark eyes reflecting the twinkle above. "Liana… I want this life, this love… forever. Will you—"
"I do," she whispered, cutting him off with a smile, tears spilling freely. "Always. Forever. With you."
And under the endless stars, with the city of Marivelle asleep around them, they kissed—a kiss that sealed years of fear, longing, danger, and defiance, transforming it into a love so deep, so true, and so unyielding that nothing in the world could ever undo it.
A love forbidden… yet entirely their own, radiant, joyful, eternal.