Page 144 of A Kingdom's Heart
And that was all we needed.
Now, we were lying together in bed, the soft light of the fire flickering across the walls. William’s arm was draped around me, a book open in his other hand. His voice was steady, low, and warm as he read.
It wasThe Willow Bride. Our story.
As he neared the end, I nestled closer to him, resting my head on his shoulder. I knew how the story ended. Mike and Elara didn’t get to be together, but that no longer hurt me. Because William and I were. We were together, and that was enough.
When he finished the last page, he closed the book and smiled down at me. “The end,” he said softly.
I smiled back, my fingers tracing lazy circles over his chest. “It’s still my favorite story,” I whispered.
He tilted his head slightly, a faint grin tugging at his lips. “Because it’s ours now?”
I nodded. “Because we changed the ending.”
He laughed quietly, that deep, gentle sound I’d grown to love more than anything. Then he leaned in.
Our lips met, soft and slow. The kind of kiss that didn’t need words, that said everything instead.
When he pulled back, his forehead rested against mine. The fire crackled beside us, and the world outside went still.
For the first time in my life, I didn’t think about tomorrow. Only this moment. Only him.
He then pulled back, smiling and brushed a thumb along my cheek. “I’ll go make dinner,” he said.
I stretched, the sheets rustling as I sat up. “I’ll help,” I said, reaching for his hand.
He laughed under his breath and helped me out of bed. The floorboards creaked faintly beneath our feet as we walked toward the door. Everything felt calm: the golden light from the window, the smell of the fire, the peace we had built here.
But then William stopped.
He froze mid-step, his shoulders going rigid. His eyes widened, fixed on something beyond the doorway.
My heart quickened. “William?” I whispered. “What is it?”
He didn’t answer.
I followed his gaze, my breath catching in my throat.
Outside, through the open window, stood a line of castle guards. Their armor gleamed in the dying light. Each one held a sword, drawn and ready.
For a heartbeat, the world seemed to hold its breath.
Then one of them stepped forward and burst through the door.
The warmth of the fire lingered for only a moment before fading, leaving nothing but the sound of steel and the echo of everything we were about to lose.
