In a small room, dim yellow light spilled across the walls.
Alex sat on the ground, leaning against the bed, his head bowed in quiet slumber.
On the bed, Selene lay peacefully.
Slowly, her eyelashes fluttered—then her eyes opened.
Her frost-blue gaze fell on Alex, still asleep beside her.
A soft smile bloomed on her lips as she stared at his tranquil face.
But then… memories surged. Not hers, but the Ice Phoenix's.
A pang of pain flickered through her chest, yet it wasn't hers.
Yes, she could feel the Phoenix's sorrow, the grief and love…
—but they were distant. Foreign.
She exhaled slowly, gently pushing those memories back into the depths of her mind.
Then, once more, she turned her focus to Alex's sleeping face.
So calm. So still.
Suddenly, his eyes twitched—then snapped open.
He jolted upright, confused for a heartbeat before locking eyes with her.
Seeing her smile, his tense shoulders relaxed.
He let out a slow breath and settled back against the bed.
