•Plains•
[Eliana's POV]
The wind swept across the open plains, carrying the scent of wild grass and distant wildflowers. It tugged at my hair, at the hem of my dress, at the fragile composure I was desperately trying to maintain. The green stretched endlessly before us, rolling hills dotted with patches of white and yellow blooms, the sky above a vast expanse of pale blue.
In the distance, I could see the kingdom's shrine—a small stone structure perched on a hill, its silhouette dark against the afternoon light. I had visited it once as a child. I remembered lighting a candle there. Making a wish.
I couldn't remember what I had wished for.
The wind picked up again, cooler now, and I closed my eyes. Inhaled. Exhaled. The air was fresh here. Clean. It made me feel calm, even if only a little, even if only for a moment.
Then Ace turned to face me.
His silver eyes met mine, and the calm shattered.
"Eliana, I—"
"You're breaking up with me."
