Chapter Three
YOU KNOW HOW OLD ROMANCEmovies end, with couples running off into the night or something? These days, that either means they stole something, or it’s clickbait, and they’re actually going to have a divorce. Or other times, a killer’s on the loose, and yeah, turns out, that couple were just extras.
Yeah, that’s typical now. But back in the day when streaming wasn’t a thing yet?
Couples leaving hand in hand, walking away from the crowds?
It meant a good thing then.
And sometimes, it also meant it was raining, and they just needed to run for cover.
Like now.
It takes everyone by surprise, the sound of thunder and the flash of lightning on the digital screens—all artificial, but they’re so perfectly done that even Arkane places a hand on the small of my back, his touch fiercely protective.
“Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please,” our unseen host drawls from his secret place. “In a few minutes, it will start to rain in our ballroom. You’re invited to frolic in the rain or use the park-issued umbrellas now being distributed by our staff. Or, like our newly reunited lovers, you can run off into the night, with only the moon as your witness.”
A helpless laugh escapes me when I realize what this is all about, and the rest of the crowd joins me when the massive screens start playing a loop of famous movie scenes where couples do run off into the night.
I swear, whoever’s in charge of Foxtown’s marketing team is a genius. The controversy that hit them a while back could’ve sent most businesses spiraling and losing hope, but Foxtown—
Arkane suddenly takes hold of my hand. “Ready?”
My eyes widen. “Ready for—”
I don’t even get to finish my question, he’s already leading me away, and all I can do is laugh as I follow his lead, the crowd cheering and clapping as we run off into the night.
Who would’ve thought someone as serious as Arkane would’ve done this?
We sweep past the doors of the Royal Hall, and a Foxtown footman in full livery startles into bowing and offers a black umbrella with both hands—“Milord—Milady—”—but Arkane only shakes his head once, never breaking stride, and pulls me on. Outside, the night air is already cool against the bare skin of my arms, and the cobbles are catching the gas lamps in long wet streaks because, I realize a beat later, it’s already started raining out here, too.
Artificial rain has indeed started to fall as we run up the grand staircase, and the sound of laughter mingling with splashes of water makes me smile. It is rather romantic, and a sense of silly giddiness sweeps over me as the starry evening skies welcome us back.
Once upon a time, this was how it all started between us, too.
A whirlwind romance that took place over one unforgettable summer, and...I want to believe that this time, it will be better.
Because this time I have You.
And You’ll make everything good for those who love you.
Arkane turns to me at that moment, and just having his eyes meet mine—
(Because the last time, he couldn’t even bear the sight of me, the girl he loved and cherished, but who carelessly gave away kisses like they weren’t precious)
My eyes start to burn, and my throat starts to tighten. I don’t want to cry, I don’t. But the more I try to keep the tears at bay, the more my lip trembles—
Arkane’s steps slow, and oh no, oh no—
He turns to face me, his hands coming up to cup my elbows. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry,” I choke out.
