When I pulled back, his expression had grown serious again—but not sad. Intent.
"In exchange for that lost life," he said quietly, "I can offer you something no one else can. A world most mortals only glimpse in dreams. A purpose greater than survival."
He paused, and when he spoke again, his voice dropped to something warm and sure, a promise carved from the very fabric of eternity.
"And—a love that will outlast the stars."
I opened my mouth—probably to make another joke, because that was how I handled feelings I didn't have words for—but nothing came out. Just a shaky breath, and tears I refused to let fall, and a heart so full I thought it might burst.
"That's quite an offer," I whispered.
"Only the best for you."
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
"Show me," I managed. "Show me your kingdom."
He smiled—brighter than the northern lights, warmer than the hidden fires at the mountain's core.
"Close your eyes."
I obeyed. I felt his arms wrap around me, felt the world shift, felt the mountain itself seem to breathe around us.
When I opened my eyes, we were standing somewhere else entirely.
His Kingdom.