“Only Ever Be A Dream”

The sun rises.

I release a deep breath as I watch the light trickle over the hills. Even after a week, it’s a relief. To be honest, part of me still expects the Darkness to linger, just as it has for the past ten years. I’m glad it doesn’t.

Kane steps up beside me, his eyes fixed on the horizon. His fingers slip through mine, though he stays silent.

His presence both comforts me and unsettles me. I already know what he’s going to say. But I don’t want to ruin the moment. Not yet.

The sun has fully appeared above the trees by the time he speaks. “The others are ready to ride back to the city today. They await your order.” He pauses before adding, “Your Highness.”

A jolt of pain strikes through my heart at his words. I look up see my sadness reflected in his eyes.

“We won,” I whisper, unable to keep my voice from trembling. “We beat the Darkness. So why does it feel like we lost?”

He sighs. “When we return to the city, we return to reality.” His eyes fall to our joined hands. “We both knew that this could only ever be a dream.”