The figure that stepped through the portal looked exactly the same as the one Aarohi had watched disappear weeks earlier.
It was Arion.
For a moment, Aarohi couldn't move.
Her mind struggled to believe what her eyes were seeing.
Then Arion smiled.
"I told you I would return."
The moment his voice reached her ears, Aarohi ran toward him.
The two of them embraced tightly beneath the glowing moon.
For several seconds neither of them spoke.
Finally Aarohi pulled back slightly.
"You disappeared for so long," she said, trying to hide the emotion in her voice.
"I know," Arion replied gently.
"I had to face the trials of Lunaris."
He explained everything — the Silver Forest, the Celestial Dragon, and the final choice before the queen.
"And you chose me?" Aarohi asked softly.
Arion smiled.
"There was never another choice."
Then he pointed toward the glowing sky.
"The bridge between worlds is open now. Lunaris and Earth are no longer separated."
Aarohi looked up at the magical path of moonlight stretching into the heavens.
"Does that mean…"
"Yes," Arion said.
"You can come with me."