A couple of days later, I had made up my mind. I was going back to New York with Luke. The weight of everything—this school, the constant drama, the faces that never seemed to change—had become too much. I needed a fresh start. Luke, ever the reassuring presence, told me everything would be fine, but deep down, I knew this was the right choice. I was tired of feeling like I didn't belong, of being tangled in the same messes that never seemed to unravel.

The suitcase on the bed was nearly packed, just a few last-minute items to shove in before we left. I could already feel the excitement, the relief, of going back to a place that felt like home. New York—familiar, bustling, chaotic in the best way. And with Luke by my side, I'd finally be able to breathe again, away from all the tension that had built up in this place.

As I snapped the last zipper of my bag, my mom appeared in the doorway, her soft footsteps almost silent on the floor. Her smile was warm, a bittersweet mix of love and sadness. She always wore that expression when it came time for me to leave, as if part of her heart was always with me, no matter where I went.

"Your father and I will miss you so much, my dear," she said, her voice thick with that motherly affection I had grown so used to over the years.

I smiled back, standing up to embrace her, wrapping my arms around her tightly. Her scent—soft lavender and the comforting hint of home—filled my senses, and I felt a lump form in my throat.

"I'll visit as soon as I can, Mom, I promise," I murmured, my voice thick with the weight of the moment. I could feel the emotional pull of leaving, but deep inside, I knew this was the right path forward.

She pulled back slightly, her hands resting on my shoulders as she looked at me with that proud, understanding gaze. "I know, sweetheart. You've always known where you need to be."

I nodded, not trusting my voice anymore, and turned back to the suitcase. With one last look around the room that had once been my sanctuary, I realized how ready I was to leave it all behind. The past few months had shaped me, but now it was time to move forward.

She laughed, a soft, melodic sound that seemed to dissolve some of the weight I'd been carrying. It was a moment of peace amidst the storm of emotions, and for a second, I let myself simply enjoy it. "It'll be fine, sweetheart. Just enjoy yourself," she reassured me, her smile warm and unwavering as she turned to leave.

Before she went, though, she handed me my phone with a new case. I looked down at it in surprise, the smooth surface of the phone gleaming under the light. "I thought you'd like it," she said, her voice full of a quiet affection I could always rely on.

I turned the phone over in my hands, admiring the design—a cute little dragon emblem from Southern On. The intricate details made it stand out, a reminder of the little things that always seemed to ground me, no matter where life took me. I smiled, feeling a sudden wave of gratitude wash over me.

"Thank you, Mom," I said, my voice thick with emotion as I pulled her into one last hug before gathering my things. The weight of the moment hung in the air, but it was no longer overwhelming. It was just part of the journey.

I grabbed my backpack, feeling the weight of both the physical and emotional burden lift with each step. The balcony doors beckoned, and I walked over to them, gazing out at the wide, open sky. My heart beat a little faster at the thought of leaving, but also at the thought of what awaited me—freedom, new beginnings.

"I'll see you soon," I called out, the words hanging in the air, uncertain but hopeful.

Without a second thought, I pushed myself off the balcony, feeling the rush of wind against my skin as my wings unfurled, catching the breeze. The transition was smooth, natural—a part of me that I'd learned to embrace, even when it seemed impossible. My wings spread wide, their dark tips slicing through the air, and soon enough, I was soaring high above, the ground slipping away beneath me. The horizon stretched endlessly before me as I headed toward the airport.

SCENEBREAK

As I descended the steps of the airport, the evening air cool against my skin, I spotted something unexpected—an elegant black limo, its sleek body gleaming under the soft glow of the streetlights. My heart skipped a beat, unsure if I was imagining things, but as I got closer, I saw him. Luke, impeccably dressed in a sharp suit that made him look every bit the part of the sophisticated young man he was. His charcoal-colored suit hugged his frame perfectly, and the tie was just the right shade to complement his rich, dark hair. His smile was radiant, so effortless and charming that it seemed to light up everything around him.

As soon as his eyes found mine, the world around us blurred, and his deep, magnetic gaze locked onto me. There was a quiet intensity in his stare, as if he were seeing me for the first time, yet it felt like we had known each other forever.

"Luke, what's all this?" I asked, my voice catching slightly as I was taken aback by the unexpected gesture. The limo, the way he looked—everything seemed so different from what I had imagined. It was the last thing I expected, yet it felt just right.

Luke smiled, that same mischievous yet tender grin tugging at his lips. Without a word, he stepped forward, his hands extending to offer me a single rose. I hesitated for a second, surprised, but then took it from him, feeling the soft petals brush against my fingertips. The warm, delicate fragrance wrapped around me, grounding me in the moment.

He reached for me then, pulling me into a tight embrace, his body warm against mine. "Well, you're coming with me home, so I might as well treat you like the queen you are, Y/N," he said, his voice a mixture of playfulness and sincerity. His words made my heart flutter, a sweet warmth blooming in my chest. The tenderness in his tone left me momentarily breathless, and I found myself melting into the moment.

As if to seal the sentiment, he leaned in and kissed me softly, his lips warm and gentle against mine. The kiss was light, like a whisper, but it held so much meaning. I felt the world around us pause, a perfect stillness, as he pulled away just enough to whisper against my lips. "You're too good to me." His breath was warm, sending shivers down my spine.

For a moment, I let myself close my eyes, taking in the sweetness of the moment before reality gently tugged me back. We broke the embrace and stepped into the limo, the plush seats greeting us like a second home. I sank into the softness, feeling the weight of everything I was leaving behind, and Luke, ever the gentleman, adjusted his seat so I could get comfortable.

As the car began to move, Luke began to speak—his voice calm, filled with the warmth of familiarity. He told me about his siblings, his butler, his nanny—all the little details that I had never known, the things that made up his life before he met me. I listened intently, my fingers idly tracing the edges of the rose petals, which had started to curl gently beneath my touch. It was calming, almost meditative, but my mind kept wandering to the life I was leaving behind—the uncertainty, the farewells, the memories.

I couldn't help but flick my tail, the familiar weight of it reminding me of what I was about to embark on. A new life, a new city, new beginnings. I smiled softly, pushing the thoughts of the past aside for now. This was where my focus needed to be. New York awaited me, with all its promise and opportunities. And with Luke by my side, the future suddenly didn't seem so daunting. It felt like an adventure I was more than ready to take.

SCENEBREAK

After a four-hour drive, we finally reached New York. The city skyline stretched before us, bathed in the soft light of the setting sun, casting an almost magical glow over the vast expanse of buildings. The tall towers loomed like silent sentinels, while the streets below buzzed with the hum of city life. It felt like a world completely different from the one I had left behind.

The limo made its way through the bustling streets, the familiar sound of honking horns and chattering pedestrians filling the air. But as we got closer to our destination, the noise of the city seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the smooth hum of the car's engine.

We turned onto a quieter street, and the car slowed as we approached a grand driveway. The mansion that sat at the end of it was nothing short of breathtaking—an elegant, sprawling estate that looked like something straight out of a storybook. The tall wrought-iron gates opened as we pulled up, revealing manicured gardens and the grand entrance of Luke's penthouse-style home.

The architecture was magnificent, a blend of classic elegance and modern luxury. It stood tall, its stone facade softened by creeping ivy and flowers that seemed to bloom even in the evening's twilight. The windows gleamed, reflecting the fading sunlight, as if welcoming us into a new chapter.

Luke, ever the calm and collected presence, opened the door for me, offering me his hand with a gentle smile. I took it without hesitation, stepping out of the limo and onto the cobblestone driveway. My heels clicked softly against the stones, but it was the weight of what lay ahead that filled me with a strange mix of anticipation and nervous excitement.

He led me toward the grand entrance, and as we stepped inside, the interior revealed a breathtaking fusion of opulence and comfort. Soft lighting bathed the space, illuminating the sleek furniture and carefully selected art pieces hanging on the walls. The whole place felt like a sanctuary, a reflection of Luke's quiet elegance.

I couldn't help but smile, my heart fluttering with excitement as I realized that this was now my new home. The city, the luxury, Luke—it was all so much to take in, but somehow, it felt like it was exactly where I was meant to be.