In her mind, Aletha floated in a blue void. Before her, Nick appeared — gentle, almost real.
— You came back… she whispered.
— I never left your heart, he replied.
Aletha smiled through her tears.
— I love you, Nick. And I always will… but I can't keep going like this. You're not really here.
He smiled softly, just like before.
— Why are you abandoning me, Aletha? We promised to stay together.
— I have to live… without you.
At her words, Nick's face twisted. His smile turned into a monstrous grin, his body melting into a dark, viscous shadow.
— You'll never leave me, Aletha! You're mine!
The creature lunged at her. Aletha screamed, thrown into the void.
— No! You're not him! You're just a lie!
Outside, Caden held her tightly. Her skin had gone pale, her veins dark.
— Aletha! Hold on! Come back to me!
She convulsed, trapped between two worlds.
Desperate, Caden cupped her face.
— You're not alone… I'm here.
And without thinking, he kissed her.
Inside Aletha's mind, the kiss ignited a brilliant light. Memories of Nick flashed before her… then suddenly, others — she and Caden laughing, fighting side by side, sharing a campfire.
She smiled through tears of light and clenched her fists.
— Enough!
Light burst around her. The shadow screamed, shrinking, torn apart by the radiance — until it vanished completely.
Silence. Aletha floated, at peace. A gentle voice called her.
— Aletha… Aletha… wake up.
She swam toward the light. Her eyes fluttered open.
The first face she saw was Caden's, tears running down his cheeks.
— Aletha! Oh, thank God… you scared me to death.
She gave a faint smile.
— Are you crying, Caden?
He laughed nervously, pulling her into his arms.
— I was never going to let you go.
Above them, the ethereal spirits suddenly faded, dissolving into the night. Bella and Zetch exchanged a stunned look.
— She did it, Bella whispered. She's free.