We're still holding hands and Ayden is still very close to me, his Light still shining brightly. This Light inside of me seems to want me to get even closer to him again. Although I barely know him, I feel like I've never needed anyone as much as I need him close to me right now. His hand moves up my arm to my cheek as if he knows exactly what's going on inside of me and before my brain can ask any more questions, his lips already touch mine again. Just slightly at first, giving me the chance to pull away, but I don't even want to have any space between me and Ayden now. The kiss gets more intense with every second and I can only imagine how brightly his tattoos must be shining right now. At the same time, I know my Light is trying to get out.

Ayden breaks the kiss for a short moment and I open my eyes. "Your eyes, they are lit up," he says while his own eyes are shining in a bright blue. I guess I was right, the Light comes out through our eyes as well. Maybe he also just meant that metaphorically, it doesn’t matter. He helps me up and kisses me again as if he can't get enough. At least that's how I feel. 

When we part again, I can hear cheering from the others. Slightly startled, I take a step back, realising what's happening. Ayden's friends probably saw him shining brightly and know exactly what happened. 

Nadja?! She must be so confused right now! How do I explain all of this to her? How do I even add all of this to my worldview? Is this just a dream? Are they just pranking me? How can he fake tattoos that shine as bright as a lamp?

"Princess, your mind is running wild and I can feel your Light getting upset again," Ayden whispers softly. Even though his voice is quiet, he snaps me out of my thoughts immediately. In the next moment, I'm wrapped in his arms, an embrace of light.

"Again?" I question.

He places his head on mine, letting me lean into his chest even more, "When we wanted to go kitesurfing, you got anxious and your Light got upset."

“So you knew?”

He chuckles softly, letting me out of his embrace to look at my eyes again, “I knew from the moment I sat down next to you on the plane. I got proof of my suspicions when I accidentally touched you at the airport and felt my Light going crazy. Ever since then, it’s been quite difficult to stay away from you for too long, especially because the more I get to know you, the more you seem to be a dream come true.” I stare at him, smiling, blushing and feeling like nothing bad could ever happen in this world. Ayden smiles back at me before saying, “Maybe we should head back to the others now. You’re probably hungry after all these… revelations.”

I just nod, letting him lead me back to the others, my hand still holding his. “Will you always light up like this when I touch you?” I wonder after a few steps, still seeing his tattoos shine, but less brightly than when I was closer to him.

Ayden shakes his head, “No, I’ll learn how to control it after getting some practice.” He smiles at me, “This is new to me as well, I never lit up unless it was during a ceremony, and it was never this bright.” 

“Good, I want to be able to hold your hand in public without making others freak out,” I state, sounding playfully serious. He chuckles before letting go of my hand. The light of his tattoos disappears slowly. When his tattoos are completely black again, I give him a quick kiss on his cheek, making him light up quickly again. I can feel the Light inside of me rushing around again, trying to get closer to him, but I’m still in control over my own actions.

As soon as we reach the others, Ayden sits down a few metres away from me while I get back to my place next to Nadja. She gives me a knowing look and a thumbs-up. Her bright smile shows me that she has seen what’s going on and the others probably explained to her what she needs to know. “You missed all of them lighting up the beach while you were kissing Mr Sunglasses,” Nadja whispers before handing me a sandwich. I look at her and then around at the others. They’re talking, laughing and having the best time of their lives. Now I know why the couples are always so close to each other, it just comes naturally to them. I smile when my eyes find Ayden’s. To be honest, it’s the first time in my life that I really feel like I belong.