delphine pov
I stood on a wide, leveled field, all alone. It felt like I could see the end of the world stretching out in every direction. Below me, the sunlit flowers seemed to smile up at me, swaying gently in a rhythm only they understood. I didn’t know how I got here, or why I was here, but for once, I felt peace. True, unshackled peace.
I smiled—an unrestrained, genuine smile—and ran through the field, arms wide, spinning like I could catch the warmth of the sunlight in my hands. It didn’t matter that I was alone. This moment, this place, it was mine. The perfect yellow gown I wore matched the vibrant sunflowers beneath me, their petals brushing against my skin like whispers of joy.
Then it happened—a tap. Gentle, fleeting, right on my leg.
I froze.
Looking down, I saw one of the
