Without a second thought, he slipped beneath the water, seeking the silence only the depths could offer. The cold wrapped around him like a dark embrace, pulling him deeper, drowning out the noise of his life.

Just as the shadows closed in, a sudden splash shattered the quiet. Strong hands gripped his arms, dragging him toward the surface. He gasped, coughing, eyes fluttering open to find a small figure hovering above him.

Her eyes were filled with concern, her smile warm and bright, a lifeline in his darkest moment.

“Are you alright?” she asked softly.

Cassian blinked, heart pounding for reasons beyond relief. He wanted to say something anything, but all that came out was a whispered, “Will you marry me?”

The girl’s smile faltered, surprise flickering in her gaze. But before she could answer, a commotion stirred from the shore.

He looked up, but she was gone.

And just like that, the promise hung in the air unanswered, unforgettable.