The four companions finally reunited. Zetch held Aletha in his arms, relieved. Bella, moved, wept quietly.
They set up a small camp near a stream. For the first time in days, peace reigned.
Later, Bella asked Caden to follow her aside. The firelight shimmered in her eyes.
— Caden… when you fell, I thought I'd lost you. I was so scared.
Caden stayed silent.
— I don't want to hide what I feel anymore, she said, her voice trembling. I love you, Caden.
He looked down, hesitating.
— Bella, I…
— Tell me. Don't you feel the same?
He met her gaze, then sighed softly.
— I do… I love you too.
She smiled in relief, and he kissed her.
Across the camp, Aletha and Zetch sat watching the fire. Aletha gazed at the dancing flames, thoughtful.
I did it. I let go of Nick… Maybe now, I can think about Caden.
A shy smile formed on her lips. But when she stood and turned around, her heart froze.
Caden and Bella returned, hand in hand, happy.
Aletha's smile faded.
— We have some news, Bella said joyfully. Caden and I… we're together.
Zetch stood up, smiling.
— That's great news!
Aletha forced a smile.
— Yes… I'm happy for you.
Then she walked away, alone into the night. Tears welled up in her eyes.
I shouldn't cry. It's normal… They fit so well together. I was just a shadow in his life.
She touched her lips.
That kiss… I thought it meant something. I was wrong.
A branch cracked behind her. She wiped her tears quickly. Caden appeared.
— Aletha? I wanted to check on you.
— I'm fine, she said, forcing a smile. I don't hear the voices anymore, thanks to you.
— Are you happy? he asked softly.
— What do you mean?
— Happy… for me and Bella.
Aletha hesitated, then nodded.
— Of course. Bella's like a sister to me. And you… you're a precious friend.
— A friend? Is that all I am to you?
She opened her mouth, but Bella called from afar.
Aletha turned away.
— I think she's calling us, she said with a forced smile before walking off.
Caden stayed there, motionless, his chest tightening.
Why does it hurt… that she only sees me as a friend?
He joined the others in silence.
Far away, in the darkness of a sanctum, Nox watched the scene through a mirror of shadows.
— I may have failed this time… he murmured with a wicked smile. But soon, I'll take what's rightfully mine.
His laughter echoed darkly through the void.