Liz’s POV
I stood in the middle of the clearing, waiting.
The moon was beginning to rise. The trees were still. The wind didn’t move. The world felt like it was holding its breath.
And then I saw him.
Arthur stepped into the clearing with my body in his arms.
Everything inside me went still.
He didn’t rush.
Each step was careful and deliberate, like he was carrying something sacred.
He moved to the centre of the clearing and slowly lowered my body down onto the grass. I watched as he adjusted my hair. His fingers lingered, brushing over the curve of my cheek, his jaw tight.
It was unbearable and beautiful all at once.
I couldn’t stop staring. That was my body. That was me. But it didn’t feel like mine anymore.
Arthur stood and stepped back. His eyes flicked up to the sky, then down to my body.
The moon broke through the clouds then, full and bright, casting a silver glow across the clearing. It spilled down through the treetops and settled on us—on me.
I held my breath, slowly mov
