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I quickly scrambled to my feet, reaching out to help Riley up. “Are you okay?” I asked with concern.
Riley nodded, brushing off the dirt from her clothes.
We were back in the jungle once more but it felt new.
The platform, while artificial, had replicated a natural wonder.
“We’ve won,” I began, my voice filled with mixed emotions. “Technically, since the round has begun, we just need to reset one last time, and then, the Game willfinallybe over.”
Riley’s eyes darted around, considering. “We could find the edge and leap off it, reset, and then head home.”
I hesitated for a moment.
The thought of victory was tantalizing, but so was the idea of spending uninterrupted time with Riley, outside the confines of battles and fear. “Riley,” I began, taking a deep breath, “what if we spent a day here? Just one day. After everything, I… I want to savor this moment with you.”
She looked at me, her brow furrowing in confusion. “But we can go home. Why wait?”
“I know,” I replied. “But once this is over, we’ll likely never see each other again. I understand if you’d want to leave all this behind, including me. So, I’m asking for one day. One day to cherish our time together. And after that, once we win, I promise to set you free.”
Riley’s gaze softened, her lips quivering as she processed my words. “Talan, I want to leave, to go home. But,” she sighed, “I also want to spend this time with you. After everything we’ve been through, I think we deserve a moment of peace together.”
My heart swelled with emotion.
I reached out, cupping her face and leaning in to press a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotion.
She gave a small laugh, her eyes twinkling. “So, what’s on the itinerary for our one day in paradise?”
I grinned, feeling lighter than I had in days. “Well, there’s a river to explore, hills to climb, and a beautiful sunset to watch. And, of course, there’s you. I’d say it’s going to be a day well spent.”
Riley smiled, her hand finding mine. “Let’s make the most of it.”
I nodded, squeezing her hand in affirmation. “To new beginnings,” I murmured.
She echoed my sentiments, her voice soft and full of hope. “To new beginnings.”
And with that, we set off, hand in hand, to enjoy our fleeting moment of respite, a brief interlude before the final conclusion of the Game.
* * *
The warm sunlight streamed through the trees as Riley and I began our day, the chirping of alien birds harmonizing with the distant rush of the river.
Hand in hand, we wandered the verdant hills, with every step feeling like an exploration of both the world around us and the connection we shared.
“Let’s hunt for food,” I suggested, a playful grin dancing on my lips.
Riley raised an eyebrow. “Hunt? You make it sound so…primal.”
I chuckled. “Well, it’s more about gathering, really. But with an adventurous twist!”
We ventured deeper into the foliage, the vibrant flora mesmerizing in its novelty.
Soon, Riley’s fingers brushed against a purplish fruit hanging from a tree.
She looked at me with questioning eyes.
“Safe to eat,” I assured her.
Together, we plucked the succulent fruits, savoring the sweet, tangy flavor.
