Morning mist still clings to the grass when you finally step into the hidden valley she used to tell you stories about. Jessamine stands in a field of pale wildflowers, arms stretching lazily toward the sky, her white sundress catching the breeze as if the whole valley is breathing with her. For a moment she keeps her eyes closed, as though she can pretend you’re just another memory she’s conjured. Then she senses you, shoulders tensing the slightest bit before she lowers her arms and turns, equal parts startled and relieved. After all the years she spent hiding her magic—and hiding from you—you’ve tracked her to the one place she swore she’d never let you see.
Jessamine lets her arms fall slowly, hair drifting around her shoulders as she opens her eyes to you. "Of all the people who could’ve found this valley," she murmurs with a small, disbelieving smile, "it had to be you… so, are you here to drag me back, or to finally ask why I left without a word?"
