5:00 PM

"This is it," Jayden whispered.

They were standing inside the priestess's small, incense-scented home, in front of what appeared to be an ordinary concrete wall.

"This is it," Alya echoed.

She clutched the locket at her neck with one trembling hand. Jayden stepped closer, placing his warm palm over hers. With her free hand, Alya reached toward the wall. The moment her fingertips touched the cool surface, she closed her eyes.

A ripple pulsed within her. Then, her hand passed through.

She gasped, her eyes flying open, locking with Jayden's startled gaze. They both turned to the priestess, who gave them a soft, knowing nod. No words were needed.

And just like that, they stepped through the wall and into another part of the world.

Gone was the scent of old wood and herbs. In its place, a crisp wind brushed against their faces, carrying the scent of wet soil and flowers. The sun had begun dipping in the sky, gilding the entire street in golden light.

"Alya, where did you bring us? The North Pole?" Jayden complained, wrapping his arms around himself.

"Shut up," she laughed. "Stop exaggerating. It's not that cold."

"Oh yeah? Tell that to my frozen eyelashes."

Alya smirked, brushing past him as she scanned her surroundings.

They were standing at the edge of a wide, rural street. The road was lined with houses that looked Victorian at first glance, though something about them felt different… strange. It didn't stop the elegance each one exuded. The compounds were adorned with vibrant sunflowers and lilies, surrounded by picket fences, with children playing in the yards and on the cozy street.

"Where is this place, though?" Alya asked.

"I have no idea," Jayden replied, equally mystified.

But she didn't wait. "Well, come on. We don't have all day."

"You're right about that," he said, and they set off together.

"She's here. I can feel it," she whispered suddenly.

"What?"

"I can feel her essence," she breathed. "Jayden, come on!"

She broke into a run. Jayden cursed under his breath but took off after her.

They darted across streets, her heart racing from the pull in her soul.

Finally, they burst through an intersection and arrived at a large clearing. The field was covered in short, grey-tinged grasses, with a gravel path stretching ahead.

Alya stopped, breathing heavily.

Then, movement in the distance caught her eye.

A figure appeared at the far end of the path. She wore a flowing gown that trailed behind her, her long hair cascading to her waist. The thick dew and fading sun on the horizon blurred the features of the woman.

"Mum," Alya whispered, a wide grin spreading across her face as she bolted forward. The woman ran too.

With each step, the woman's face became clearer. It was her! The same woman in Alya's locket. Older now, but the features matched. Every line, every curve...

They stopped just feet apart.

The woman's eyes swept over Alya, stunned. Her eyes brimmed with tears and disbelief.

"How?" she whispered. "Is this my mind playing tricks on me?"

"No," Alya said in a shaky voice. "I'm real, Mum."

"Mum?" the woman repeated with a sob. "But... but your grandfather said...he said you died."

"He lied to you, Mum."

The woman gave a broken cry and launched forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Alya. They sank to the grass in a tearful heap, clinging to each other, letting years of loss and longing spill into the earth.

"I felt your presence," her mother choked. "I knew you were close. I followed it."

"I felt you too, Mum. I've always felt you. Even when I didn't understand what it meant."

Their embrace tightened as they unburdened their hearts.

Later, her mother took her by the hand and led her into the heart of their community, a realm that bloomed with life. People of every kind lined the streets. There were feline-eyed beings with whiskers, thick-bearded dwarves, and winged figures floating above the ground. Strangers reached out as she passed, patting her shoulders or wrapping her in gentle hugs.

More onlookers peeked from doorways and balconies. Men with sharp cheekbones and silver eyes offered respectful nods, while a woman with vitiligo and glowing amber pupils gave a soft, welcoming wave. Nearby, a tall boy radiating a strange aura fist-bumped a girl whose skin was lined with living vines.

Some looked human... most didn't.

It was overwhelming and beautiful.

Eventually, they arrived at a large compound housing a similarly strange mansion with flower beds lining the fence. Inside, Alya met two siblings, a girl and a boy, both with her mother's features but with brown strands instead of silvery white. They hugged her with the fervor of people who had been waiting years to do so.

Later that evening, over warm food and drinks, Sapphire recounted her past.

Alya's grandfather had taken Alya from her. He hated her love with his human son, Jonathan. When Sapphire became pregnant, he had pretended to support them, even giving them a home. But after Alya was born, he told Sapphire the baby had died.

Jonathan never believed him. He'd gone to confront his father but never returned.

Sapphire had been broken and alone. Until she found love again and a home among others like her.

Alya's heart swelled. She, too, found love with someone she just met this morning. She found herself laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.

"Mum, I'd like you to meet someone," she said, turning, only to find the space beside her empty.

"The boy who came with you?" her mum asked.

"Yes. He was right here."

Her mother exhaled and looked at her partner.

"What's wrong?" Alya asked, furrowing her brows in confusion.

"He didn't tell you anything?"

"No. Although I suspected he had abilities too."

"I believe he's in the garden."

Alya rushed through the house and into a vast garden filled with softly glowing plants. At its edge stood Jayden, silhouetted by the setting sun.

"Hey, stranger," she said softly.

He turned to her, a sad smile tugging at his lips. "Hey."

"You okay?"

"There's something I need to tell you. I've been holding onto it, but... I believe it's time."

"What is it? Are you sick?"

"No." He chuckled. "Not sick."

"Then what? You have a secret wife and four kids?" she teased weakly.

He didn't laugh this time. His expression softened, making her chest tighten. She felt that heaviness that comes before a devastating truth.

He took her hands.

"Alya, my work here is done."

"What do you mean?"

"The priestess left something out, deliberately. She said it was my truth to tell."

"Tell me what, Jayden? You're scaring me."

He slowly looked at the horizon, at the setting sun, and then back at her, eyes brimming with tears.

"Just as the sun sets to make room for the moon, so are your powers renewed."

"What does that even mean?"

He exhaled slowly.

"Alya, I came into existence the moment you raised those objects in your classroom."

Her brows furrowed. "What?"

"You created me in your time of need. You called for help, and your power answered. That's why you trusted me without question. Deep down, your soul recognized what your mind couldn't."

"No..." Tears welled up in her eyes.

"Yes. And I'm grateful you did. Because I got to know you."

She shook her head. "But how, Jayden? I just started seeing life differently. I just started believing there could be something good for me. Something... someone worth holding onto."

He slowly brushed his thumbs across her cheeks, gently wiping away her tears.

"I know. And that's what hurts me the most. I wanted to stay, Alya. I wanted to witness you seeing yourself the way I see you..."

"I love you, Jayden."

"Shush, silly. It's only been a day." He chuckled. "You're moving too fast. At least buy a guy dinner first," he said with a sad smile. Alya giggled amid tears.

"But I do love you, Alya. And it's not because you created me. I love you for who you are, beautiful, resilient, brave. I wish I could stay and be real for you. I wish I could love you forever. But fate..."

"No...no... If I created you, then I can make you stay."

"Maybe. Maybe not. But know this: I'll always be part of you, Alya."

"No, Jayden, please!" Her voice cracked as more tears fell from her eyes.

His eyes roamed her face reverently, as if he was trying to memorize her features one last time. There was a deep tenderness in his gaze, mixed with sorrow and a wordless apology.

He leaned down and pressed a gentle peck on her cheek.

Alya broke instantly, her hands sliding up to his neck, pulling him closer as she buried her face in his shoulder.

In that tight hold, he poured out everything words couldn't do justice: his love, his gratitude, his goodbye.

His fingers threaded through her hair, holding her as though he wished time would freeze if he loved her hard enough.

He kissed the top of her head, finding home in her warmth.

She pressed her lips to his shoulder, holding tight to her miracle.

And as the final sliver of sun dipped below the skyline, Jayden faded into light, his form breaking into glowing particles that vanished with the breeze.