The days at the cottage fell into a rhythm. Selin would wake early, make coffee, watch the sunrise over the water. Murat would materialize as morning broke, and they’d spend hours just existing together. No schedules, no obligations, no one to answer to. It was as close to normal as they’d ever been. One morning, Selin suggested they explore the area. There was a lake nearby, according to the old map she’d found in the cottage. Murat agreed, eager to see more of this world he could barely touch. The walk to the lake took an hour through dense forest. When they emerged, Selin gasped. The lake was breathtaking—clear water reflecting the sky, surrounded by mist that made it look otherworldly. “It’s perfect,” she breathed. “Like something from a fairy tale,” Murat agreed. Selin stripped

