Apologies for the wait! I made the chapter a little longer than usual because of this. :)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE | AMARA

My gaze is glued to the scenery passing by the window. The towering trees, with their massive trunks and dense canopy, stretched farther than I can crane my neck to see. Sunlight filters through the vibrant green leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The rich, reddish-brown bark of the redwoods adds to the stunning scenery.

The nature in this world feels like it has another layer of depth to it in comparison to the world that I've known.

Ezra's thumb strokes my hand softly, a reminder of his presence.

"We're about to cross the boarder." He says.

I pull my gaze away from the window to meet his instead. "The boarder?"

He nods, "Yes- humans don't notice it from their world but crossing from this side you will. Looking at it could make you lightheaded." He reaches an arm over my shoulder and pulls me onto his chest.

My heart leaps into my throat. In this proximity, his smell is all the more prominent and it's intoxicating. His cologne hints subtle luxury with crisp top notes of bergamot and cedar wood. Although, I'm sure it's not the cologne that makes him smell that inviting. The bond seems to be stronger with each day that passes by. As if I couldn't want his presence more than I already did.

My eyes catch sight of the window.

The air shimmers with an iridescent glow, a translucent veil ripples gently.

"You're looking at the barrier aren't you."

I snap my gaze away from the window and onto his hard expression. "It was for a second." I admit defensively. "It..It was beautiful."

His expression softens at this, "I suppose it is." He pauses, "You're safe to look now."

I look out once again. The colors now seem to be dull in comparison. The earth feels like it breathes a different life in the world that Ezra resides in.

As we exit the forest, The familiar town begins to pull into focus. Bustling with people and laughter as the summer sun begins to set. The town that I barely set my foot on before it was torn away from me. Suddenly, the dreams that I've had, the expectations of how my life would pan out here race through my mind. All the friends I thought I would've made, the career I would have-

I stop myself in my thoughts, each memory adds another stone onto my chest.

Then the familiar building comes into perspective, my apartment building.

I can only describe this feeling as mourning.

"Amara." Ezra calls but I don't look his way. I feel unable to.

Ezra brings a hand to my cheek, I don't notice the dampness until he gently attempts to rub it away.

"Talk to me about it." He beckons, softly.

"I don't need to. You already know." I mutter, knowing full well he could've heard my thoughts but he shakes his head.

"It's not the same, I want you to tell me directly."

I bite back the sniffles, and take a deep inhale. "I feel powerless." I admit, "When I left my family home, I had a plan, it was my way to take back my life. But in light of everything, I feel that I everything I've worked for and planned was for nothing. I'm back to square one."

"My love." He calls gently, but I don't meet his eyes. Instead, I stay fixated on my hands folded over my lap.

"I want to build a life with you. If I could change the events that have happened to you in the past few days, and the way we've crossed paths I would." A hand wraps over mine, the other finds the spot where my neck meets my shoulder and quietly pulls my gaze to his. His deep honey gaze looks to me earnestly.

"Your ambition, drive and independence is something that I haven't witnessed in anyone before. I know how fiercely you protect it and I am not going to take it away from you."

I can only nod at this as I find my words.

"I wanted to be an author." I admit. "Then open a non profit, to help children in having early literacy skills."

A/N this is based on the charity: Ferst Readers  :)

Ezra's eyebrows raises, taken aback by my confession. "What made you have this ambition?"

"I didn't have much growing up, I was primarily raised by my mother and older sister. My mother spoke broken english as she came from another country. When I was younger, I found myself always working twice as hard as my peers just to meet them at the average. If there was a foundation like this when I was younger, then things would have been different." I stop short, suddenly feeling conscience of my babbling.

"I'm sorry, I never really spoke about this with anyone before."

He shakes his head, flashing a small smile, "Don't apologize, I love hearing about it. I love learning about you."

A rush of warmth flood my cheeks at his words.

"Beta, we're nearly there." Archibald calls from the front of the limo.

"Thank you." He calls in response.

We sit in comfortable silence until the car pulls up to the a cobblestone driveway of the restaurant. I take in the opulent surroundings.

A gasp expels at the sight of the building. The building itself is an architectural marvel, with towering columns and intricate carvings that exude elegance and sophistication. Warm, golden lights spill from the large, arched windows, casting a welcoming glow onto the cobblestone driveway.

Archibald comes around and opens our doors. Ezra steps out first, and offers his hand for me to take as I exit the vehicle.

Stepping out of the car, I feel the cool evening air and hear the soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses drifting from inside. The entrance is flanked by lush greenery and manicured flower beds, adding a touch of nature's beauty to the grandeur.

I feel like a fish out of water, standing at a pause as I take in the opulence. If it weren't for Ezra's light tug, guiding me towards the entrance I don't think I would have moved.

"Are you hungry?" He inquires, breaking the ice. There's a bemused expression on his features, undoubtedly from my awestruck features earlier.

"Starving." I confess, with a light laugh.

As we enter, the hostess sees us and immediately flashes a smile. "Beta."

My eyebrow perk at this, how does she know?

This is one of our establishments. Ezra links, while giving her a light nod.

She takes us through the restaurant towards our seats.

With Ezra's hand tightly clasped in mine I follow. My eyes take in the sight. The floor beneath our feet is polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflecting the warm, golden glow of chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings. Rich, velvet blue drapes and elegantly framed artwork adorn the walls, adding to the grandeur atmosphere.

We weave through the rows of set tables with crisp white linens and flickering candles, people in posh outfits and hushed conversation.

The further we walk, the quieter the setting becomes. We finally reach our table, in a cozy, yet grand alcove, offering a view of the entire dining room. Ezra pulls my chair out, gesturing me to have a seat. I do so, with a quiet 'thank you'.

"Please enjoy your dinner." The hostess states, before leaving us to observe the menus set on the table.

I glance over the menu, but find it hard to focus. In this light, his features seem illuminated. Just a few days ago, he was someone that I've met eyes with at a restaurant.

Who knew that moment would have changed the trajectory of my life.

"By the way you're looking at me, I'd think I was on the menu." He jests, nonchalantly- keeping his view on the menu.

My face fully flushes once again, and I don't dare to look away from the menu this time.

"Jokes? I didn't think you were the type." I comment, trying to move the attention from me.

"I wasn't joking, I was thinking out loud."Theres a smirk hinting on the corner of his lips at this.

"Right," I say sarcastically, with a light laugh. "By the way."

He perks an eyebrow, his gaze meets mine and wordlessly coaxes me to continue.

"Is there an occasion?"

He pauses as if he were carefully finding his words.

"Yes."

His pause has anticipation creep onto my nerves. "Care to tell me?" I prod.

"I've found you." He says simply. Almost as if he were talking about the weather.

CHAPTER END

I thought that it would be a good opportunity for us to get the know our characters more. Especially after the craziness of the last few chapters.

Let me know what you think! .xx chay