The sparks and flames engulfed my being as I made my choice, and I could feel the confusion filling my mind as I accepted my fate. Firing shot after shot, stars filled my vision. This was the end and I knew it. Unbearable pain shook my body, breaking me down piece by piece. I closed my eyes and thought of the sea, of the salty wind caressing my face and the cool water lapping my feet.
When I opened them, my thoughts became reality. I dug my feet into the sand, squishing the grainy texture between my toes. The sparkling water looked even more serene than I had imagined; I had never seen the sea look so tranquil. Scanning the horizon, the sun began to descend downwards to sleep as mist inhabited the air all around me.
I will await you across the sea…
A familiar figure wading in the water turned around to walk toward me. It wasn't until he reached the edge of the shore that I saw him clearly. My feet took off under me, and I was running before I could even register what was happening. I threw my arms around him, taking in the scent I had longed for for so long.
"Siha," he murmured into my ear. "I've been awaiting your arrival."
His silky voice rung with perfect clarity just as I remembered it. He ran his hand through my hair, pulling me closer. It had been so long since we had held each other. Since Thane's death, an embrace such as this existed only in my dreams. But if this was a dream, it was the most vivid one yet. I forced myself to pull away from his grasp only to see his face. He searched my eyes for a reply, grinning. It had been so long since I had seen his smile. It had been even longer since I felt such a sense of security. So long since I was last in his arms.
"It's really over." I beamed, letting my hand wander into his.
"No, siha. It has just begun." He murmured, the tide rushing against our feet.
His lips met mine in an instant and I suddenly realized how much I had missed him in the past few months. His touch made me tremble and I pulled him closer. If this truly was a dream, I was determined never to wake up. He pulled away abruptly, grimacing and looking toward where the sun had set. Thane gently placed his hands on my shoulders and tucked a strand of hair back behind my ear. He looked at me with new eyes, almost as if he had seen me for the first time.
"I promised I would be waiting for you. " He rested his hand lightly against my cheek.
I ran my fingers down the edge of his coat, the fabric tickling my fingers. Tugging on his collar, I let my lips feverishly graze his once more.
"'Across the sea,' you said. We're here now. Now and forever. And I want nothing more than to be with you for just that." His smile made my heart flutter as he kissed my forehead and led me down the shore.