Lia's eyes were open, but not fully aware. Her gaze seemed to float, half alive but very beautiful.
"Lia," whispered Prince Aerus, tracing Lia's cheeks and ears. "Are you awake?"
But Lia squirmed, occasionally moaning when she found a left from a large tree hitting her skin. Her gentle breath was drowned in the wound. Then a murmur appeared. "Aerus."
"Yeah, it's me. You're awake."
"Hmm."
"Open your eyes even wider. Lia?" But nothing happened. There was only a pair of arms hanging around Prince Aerus' neck, forcing him to come closer and smell Lia's intoxicating scent. Something tightened, and it felt excruciatingly excruciating.
The sound of a large tree swept over. "With these fallen leaves you have to ask your mate, has she wanted you all this time? If the answer is yes then you only need to complete the final ritual to validate your status."
