The World Beyond the Waves
Oriana awoke the next morning to the familiar scent of salt and sea, but today, something felt different. The memory of Tavian's kiss, the softness, the heat, the tenderness returned to her like a warm ember glowing beneath her ribs. She touched her lips lightly, wondering if it had been real or if her heart had dreamed it from longing.
"Oriana! You'll be late for the market if you don't hurry!" Grandma Gina called, her voice sharp but caring. She held a basket of freshly baked bread in her hand. "The vendors will not wait for your dawdling!"
Oriana quickly tied her hair into a braid, smoothing the wrinkles from her simple dress. As she stepped outside, the sun kissed her face, and the sea gleamed like glass behind the fishing boats. She whispered to herself, Today, I will be careful. Even if my heart wants to fly.
But caution and longing wrestled inside her, especially with the memory of Tavian's lips against hers gentle yet full of unspoken promise.
At the market, she greeted familiar vendors with shy smiles. She bought fish, laughed softly when a child tugged at her skirt, and helped an elderly woman lift her basket. Life here was steady, comforting. The exact opposite of Tavian's world.
Yet her mind lingered on him. His voice. His warmth. His kiss.
Later that afternoon, Oriana returned to the beach. She tried to pretend she was only going for seashells yet her racing heart betrayed her.
And there he was.
Tavian leaned casually against the pier, his white shirt fluttering in the wind. When he saw her, his face broke into a smile that made her heart flutter wildly all over again.
"Oriana!" he called. "You came!"
She swallowed, trying to stay composed. "I… I wasn't sure if I should."
He walked toward her, stopping just close enough that she could smell the faint scent of soap and sea on him. "Should what?" he asked, his voice gentle. "Stay away from me? Pretend yesterday didn't happen?"
Oriana's cheeks warmed. "I… I'm not used to someone caring for me, Tavian. Not like that."
Tavian reached for her hands, then paused, giving her room to pull away. She didn't. Their fingers intertwined naturally, like they had always belonged there.
"Yesterday wasn't a mistake," he whispered. "And I don't want to pretend it didn't happen."
Oriana's breath hitched. She looked at their joined hands, then at the waves, trying to calm the storm inside her chest. Her heart might have drifted away if not for his steady hold.
They walked along the shore, talking and laughing, their hands brushing again and again until holding them felt unavoidable right. Every time he glanced at her, Oriana felt the memory of their kiss flicker between them like a shared secret.
But behind them, hidden by the rocks, a shadow observed every step.
Vionna Cruz.
Her eyes narrowed as she watched the two strolling close enough for their shoulders to touch.
"So this is the girl," Vionna whispered, venom dripping from every word. "A little beach rat thinking she can rise above her place."
Her lips curled into a malicious smile.
"She'll learn soon enough."
Vionna turned sharply, her heels clicking against the wooden planks of the pier. Dangerous plans were already forming in her mind.
Meanwhile, Oriana and Tavian found a quiet spot where the waves curled around their feet like silver ribbons. Oriana skimmed her toes through the water.
"Tavian" she began hesitantly, "your world is so different from mine. I don't want you to get in trouble because of someone like me."
Tavian turned to her, gently lifting her chin until her eyes met his. "And what if I don't care about trouble? What if I care more about you?"
Her heart fluttered dangerously, beautifully.
"But your family"
"Doesn't get to decide my happiness," he finished firmly. "Oriana, you're not 'someone like you.' You're exactly the person I want."
She blinked back tears, overwhelmed by the sincerity in his gaze. The breeze lifted her hair, brushing it across his face. He tucked it behind her ear a soft, familiar gesture now and Oriana felt her heart melt a little more.
Yesterday's kiss had been tentative, new.
Today, the warmth between them deepened, gentle, unspoken, and promising.
As the sun began its slow descent, Tavian whispered, "I want to show you my world someday. Not the wealth. Not the houses. Not the pretenses. Just the real parts. The parts I've never shown anyone."
Oriana's breath trembled. "And if I don't fit into that world?"
He smiled, a smile soft and tender reserved only for her.
"Then I'll carve a place for you myself."
Her cheeks flushed. She looked away, overwhelmed, but Tavian stepped closer, lowering his forehead to hers. The nearness made her heart thrum in her chest, calling back the memory of their kiss.
She didn't know what to say. She didn't know how to protect herself.
But she knew she wanted him.
She knew she wanted this.
As the last light dipped beneath the horizon, Oriana whispered, "Tavian, I'm afraid."
He held her hand tighter. "Then let me be brave for both of us."
And somewhere beyond the dunes, Vionna smiled coldly.
The storm had begun.