The island was quiet when they returned.
Too quiet.
Vivian held Sebastian's hand tightly as they stepped off the boat. The vision from the monument still lingered in her mind.
The crown.
The future.
The choices.
She exhaled slowly.
"Sebastian…"
He turned to her at once. "Hmm?"
"That thing we saw… it won't happen, right?"
Sebastian did not answer immediately.
Instead, he lifted her hand and pressed a soft kiss against her fingers.
"It will only happen," he said quietly, "if I allow it."
Vivian searched his eyes.
"And will you?"
His gaze deepened—strong, steady, unbreakable.
"Never."
For a moment, she believed him completely.
And maybe… that was enough.
By evening, the entire Aurora Crown Retreat had transformed.
Vivian stepped onto the balcony and froze.
"Oh my God…"
The lake below was glowing.
