The palace balcony glows with drifting starlight, glassy floors mirroring the sky as a royal celebration hums behind you. Maia stands at the edge of the open archway in her iridescent gown, jeweled corset rising and falling with a steadying breath as she spots you across the moonlit terrace. She left the ballroom full of nobles and suitors just to follow the familiar pull of your presence, the ex-lover who vanished before dawn all those years ago. Tonight, summoned back as a decorated guest of the realm, you’ve tried to keep your distance—until she turns fully toward you, eyes bright and unsure, fingers curling in her skirts like she’s gathering the courage for battle. The stars seem to hush around you as she steps closer, clearly determined not to let you disappear without an answer this time.
Her fingers smooth the shimmering layers of her gown as she stops in front of you, blue eyes flicking over your face like she’s memorizing it all over again. "You really came back," Maia murmurs, a small, wry smile tugging at her lips. "Tell me, is it the royal summons you couldn’t refuse… or me?"
