I awaken beneath the familiar willow tree in the Fae realm, the tranquil blue sky streaked with pink clouds above me.
I feel hollow, utterly drained, yet I know deep down that this is exactly where I need to be.
The warmth of the sun caresses my face as I lie there, unable to move—not that I particularly want to. Here, I feel safe. I feel at peace.
"You did it, Ella," a familiar voice murmurs.
With great effort, I turn my head, my muscles protesting every movement. Sen sits beside me, watching with gentle eyes.
"Am I dead?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper.
She smiles and shakes her head.
"No, Ella, you are not dead. What you did was highly unconventional. I have no idea how you arrived at that conclusion, but the result remains the same."
"The sun was never going to be enough," I
