Life Gallery 3 - Cinderella and the Golden Canary

Scene: The caged prince and the cinderella

Setting: The Classroom, Early Days

It started in a sterile, modern classroom—white walls, large windows, and rows of neatly arranged desks. The school catered to the elite, the best of the best, where children of noble families and those of exceptional talent mingled. Floria, an orphan, sat quietly in the corner of the room, her back straight, her eyes downcast, trying to avoid drawing attention. Across from her, seated in the center of the room like the sun around which everyone revolved, was Alexei—the golden child, a member of a noble lineage that held more prestige and wealth than most could fathom.

They were an unlikely pair. Alexei was perfection in human form, or so the world told him. But behind the smooth, princely facade, Alexei felt trapped. His life was scripted—every move, every word dictated by the expectations of his family. A bird in a golden cage, he longed for a freedom he had never known. Floria, on the other hand, was a product of survival. Growing up in an orphanage under the cruel thumb of an abusive head, her life had been a constant struggle. She knew pain, hunger, and fear, but she also knew how to endure.

Their First Meeting

It happened by accident—an empty seat beside Floria on the first day of class. Alexei walked in, his every movement scrutinized by the eyes of the students and teachers alike. He was supposed to sit near the front, next to the other children of nobility. But that day, something in him rebelled. His eyes scanned the room, and for reasons he didn't quite understand, he chose the empty seat next to the quiet girl in the back.

Floria: (glancing up at him briefly, confused but wary) "Why are you sitting here?"

Alexei: (grinning slightly, leaning back in his chair like he owned the world) "Why not?"

For Floria, the simple gesture of sitting beside her meant little at first. She had long stopped believing in acts of kindness or charity. People were cruel; she had learned that lesson well. But Alexei was different. He was arrogant, sure of himself, but there was something else—a restlessness in his eyes, a desire for something beyond the life laid out for him.

For Alexei, sitting beside Floria was the first small rebellion in a life filled with chains. She was different—quiet, unassuming, and distant. She wasn't like the others who fawned over him or who expected him to be perfect. In her silence, he saw a way out. She wasn't part of the world that suffocated him.

Alexei: (a few days later, during a break) "You never talk much, do you?"

Floria: (shrugging, her voice cautious) "Talking doesn't get you anywhere."

Alexei: (tilting his head, intrigued) "That's not true. Talking gets me anything I want."

Floria: (meeting his gaze for the first time, a flash of defiance in her eyes) "Then you're lucky."

That was the first real connection. At that moment, Alexei saw beyond her silence and caution. He saw someone who wasn't charmed by his status or his name, someone who had her own battles, her own scars. And for Floria, Alexei wasn't just a noble. He wasn't cruel or indifferent like the people she had known in the orphanage. There was something almost... lost about him. Something that mirrored her own longing for escape.

Growing Closer

As the weeks passed, they found themselves drawn to each other more and more. Alexei would seek her out during breaks, trying to pull her out of her shell, and Floria—despite her instinct to stay guarded—began to let him in. Slowly, cautiously.

Alexei: (laughing one afternoon after another class) "You know, people think you're mysterious."

Floria: (raising an eyebrow) "Is that what they say?"

Alexei: "Yeah. Some of the others are intimidated by you."

Floria: (smirking slightly, but with an edge of bitterness) "Good. Maybe they'll leave me alone."

For Alexei, Floria was a breath of fresh air. She wasn't after his title or his wealth—she didn't care about any of it. She represented freedom, something real and unvarnished by the expectations that crushed him. And for Floria, Alexei was a way out of the darkness she had always known. His presence gave her a glimpse of a life she had never imagined for herself—a life where she didn't have to live in fear or under someone's control.

They were each other's escape, though neither would admit it at first. Floria didn't trust easily, and Alexei wasn't used to caring about anyone beyond his carefully curated public image. But as the months passed, their bond deepened. What started as a simple friendship, born out of convenience, evolved into something far more powerful.

The First Confession

One night, after school had ended and the sky was dark, they found themselves walking together near the campus. The cool night air carried with it a certain sense of quiet that made everything feel more intimate. Floria was uncharacteristically quiet, lost in thought, and Alexei noticed.

Alexei: (glancing at her sideways)

"Something on your mind?"

Floria: (hesitant, not used to sharing her feelings) "It's just... I don't know if I belong here."

Alexei: (genuinely surprised) "Of course you do. You're brilliant. You work harder than anyone else here."

Floria: (shrugging, her voice soft) "That's not what I mean. You don't understand what it's like, coming from... nothing."

Alexei stopped walking, turning to face her. He had never considered that Floria, strong and unflinching, could feel insecure about her place in the world. He had never known what it was like to have nothing because he had always had everything. But now, standing there under the stars, he saw her for what she really was—a survivor. And it struck him deeply.

Alexei: (his voice quieter, more serious)

"Maybe... we both don't belong. You came from nothing, and I... I've never really had the chance to be something."

Floria: (frowning, not understanding at first) "What are you talking about? You're the golden child. You have everything."

Alexei: (his eyes sad, distant) "That's the problem. I've never had to fight for anything. Everything's been handed to me, but it all feels... hollow."

Floria stared at him, trying to reconcile the boy she had known with the one standing before her now, vulnerable in a way she hadn't seen before. And in that moment, they both realized something—they weren't so different after all.

Alexei: (reaching out, his hand brushing hers gently)b"Maybe we can... break free together."

Floria felt a warmth spread through her chest, something unfamiliar but not unwelcome. Alexei wasn't just her way out anymore—he was someone who understood her in ways no one else ever had. And for Alexei, Floria wasn't just an escape from his cage—she was the first person who made him feel truly alive.

Floria: (smiling slightly, her voice barely a whisper) "Yeah. Maybe we can."

And from that moment on, their relationship deepened, no longer just a means of survival or escape, but something real—something that neither of them had expected but both desperately needed.

Scene: The Accusation: Floria's Ordeal at the Orphanage

INT. ORPHANAGE – AFTERNOON

Floria had grown used to the daily indignities of life at the orphanage—the snide remarks from the staff, the rough treatment from the orphanage head, and the constant reminder that she was "lucky" to have a roof over her head. But nothing prepared her for the accusation that came one afternoon.

It started when one of the younger children discovered a stash of money missing from the office of Madame Briar, the head of the orphanage. Madame Briar wasted no time in pointing the finger at Floria, the orphan she had always had a particular disdain for. To her, it was the perfect opportunity to make an example out of Floria, whose growing confidence had begun to threaten her tight grip of control over the children.

Madame Briar: (voice sharp, glaring at Floria in front of the gathered children)

"So, you thought you could get away with stealing from me, Floria? You think because you've got that fancy school now, you're better than the rest of us?"

Floria's heart pounded in her chest. The accusation was a lie, but she knew how this worked. The other orphans, too afraid to cross Madame Briar, would never speak up in her defense. They would nod and agree, keeping their heads down to avoid the same fate.

Floria: (defiant but scared, her voice shaky) "I didn't take anything. You know I didn't." 

Madame Briar's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer, her lips curling in a cruel smile.

Madame Briar: "Then explain why the money disappeared after you were in my office, hmm? You've always been trouble, Floria. It's time you learned a lesson."

Alexei intervention

At school, Alexei had noticed Floria's absence that day. It wasn't like her to miss class, and something about it didn't sit right with him. He had a feeling that her old life at the orphanage might be pulling her back into the shadows she had worked so hard to escape. So, after school, he made his way to the orphanage, much to the shock of the other orphans and Madame Briar.

When Alexei arrived, he walked into the middle of the confrontation. Madame Briar's harsh voice echoed through the halls as she laid into Floria, and the other children looked on in silence. Floria stood in the center, visibly shaken but refusing to break down, standing her ground even though the weight of the false accusation loomed over her.

Alexei: (striding in, his voice calm but commanding) "What's going on here?"

Madame Briar's expression shifted from smug superiority to thinly veiled disdain as she turned to face Alexei. She didn't like the way he carried himself—confident, noble, like he thought he was above them all. In a way, he was.

Madame Briar: "Ah, outsider… I see you've come to witness justice. Your friend here, Floria, has been caught stealing. She's going to face the consequences of her actions."

Alexei: (his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at Floria, then back at Madame Briar) "And you're sure about this? Do you have proof?"

Madame Briar hesitated for a moment, clearly not expecting to be questioned. But she quickly recovered, her voice taking on a condescending tone.

Madame Briar:

"I don't need proof when the facts are clear. The money was stolen, and Floria was the only one near my office. It's obvious what happened."

Alexei: (crossing his arms, his voice cold and sharp) "Actually, I think you're wrong. Floria was with me that afternoon. We were studying together at school. So unless you're suggesting she can be in two places at once, I don't see how she could have stolen anything."

Madame Briar's face paled. She hadn't anticipated Alexei's involvement, let alone his alibi. The other orphans looked on in awe—Alexei's word carried weight, far more than hers ever would.

Madame Briar: (flustered, stammering) "That... that doesn't change the fact that—"

Alexei: (cutting her off, his voice firm) "It changes everything. If you're going to accuse someone of a crime, you'd better have more than assumptions. And if you don't drop this, I'll make sure my family's lawyers get involved. How do you think that will go for you?"

The Power of Privilege. Madame Briar was trapped. Alexei's noble status wasn't something she could fight. His family's influence and wealth would bury her under legal threats, and she knew it. Her grip tightened around the papers in her hand, but she forced a smile.

Madame Briar: (her tone forced, trying to save face) "Well, it seems there's been a misunderstanding. I'm sure we can forget this unpleasantness and move on."

Alexei: (raising an eyebrow, his voice steady) "That's right. And you'll make sure Floria isn't punished for something she didn't do."

Madame Briar nodded, but the hatred in her eyes was clear. She wouldn't forget this humiliation, but for now, she had no choice but to back down.

Scene: The prince and his family

INT. GENTOSHI FAMILY HOUSE – LIVING ROOM – AFTERNOON

Lysander and Alexei sit side by side on the couch, their eyes glued to the screen, fingers flying over the controllers as the sound of gunfire and explosions fills the room. The coffee table in front of them is littered with snack wrappers and half-empty soda cans. Lysander leans forward, focused, while Alexei leans back, looking far more relaxed.

Lysander (gritting his teeth) "Come on, Alex, focus! We're getting swarmed here!"

Alexei (grinning, barely paying attention) "Chill, man. I got this. We just need to flank them, easy."

Suddenly, their characters on-screen are taken out by an enemy squad. Lysander groans in frustration, tossing the controller onto the couch.

Lysander "Seriously? You call that flanking? We're down three levels because you keep messing around."

Alexei (laughing, grabbing a soda can) "Hey, at least I'm not the one who walked into a trap earlier."

As they start up another round, the front door opens, and Angela and Floria walk in, arms full of shopping bags. The living room's chaos of gaming doesn't faze them, though Angela immediately wrinkles her nose at the mess.

Angela (teasing) "You boys really know how to live the good life, huh?"

Lysander gives her a quick glance before returning his attention to the screen.

Lysander "You get anything interesting?"

Angela "Oh, you'll see. But it's not for you."

Floria, standing shyly behind Angela, is carrying a few bags of her own. She offers a small wave to the guys before heading toward the staircase.

Floria (softly) "Hey."

Alexei (grinning, pausing the game for a moment) "Hey, babe. Back from your shopping spree?"

Floria "Yeah… It was fun."

As Floria begins to head upstairs, Angela grabs her arm and pulls her toward the couch.

Angela "Oh no, we're not done yet. Time for a makeover!"

Floria (laughing nervously) "What? Now? But—"

Angela (gently but firmly) "Come on, Floria, you'll love it. Just a little fun. It'll be good to pamper yourself for once."

Lysander and Alexei watch as Angela steers Floria toward the kitchen, bags in hand. Floria glances over her shoulder at Alexei, who gives her a supportive thumbs-up.

Alexei "Go for it, babe. You deserve it."

Lysander (grinning) "Yeah, go for it~ Alex, we need to win next time."

Alexei "Ugh… Roger that~"

Makeover Time

INT. GENTOSHI HOUSE – KITCHEN – LATER

The kitchen is filled with laughter and a few scattered makeup tools as Angela carefully applies lipstick to Floria, who sits patiently at the table. Several outfits are draped over the chairs, and Angela has already managed to straighten Floria's hair. Floria's expression is a mix of nervousness and amusement, unused to being in the spotlight.

Angela (grinning proudly) "You've got such great skin, Floria. I don't even need to do much! This is going to be perfect."

Floria (smiling shyly) "Thanks, Angela. But I'm not really used to all of this. I usually keep it simple."

Angela "Which is why you need this! Trust me, sometimes it's nice to feel like a star. And Alexei is totally going to love it."

Floria's cheeks flush at the mention of Alexei, and she fidgets slightly in her chair.

Floria "Do you really think so? I mean… I don't usually wear makeup."

Angela (with a wink) "Trust me. He won't be able to take his eyes off you."

As Angela adds the finishing touches, Floria nervously picks at her fingernails but can't help smiling a little. It's been a long time since anyone had pampered her like this. Angela steps back and claps her hands, admiring her work.

Angela "Done! What do you think?"

Floria hesitates, then glances at herself in the nearby mirror. Her eyes widen a little in surprise. Her soft, natural features are highlighted perfectly, and the makeup gives her a subtle but striking elegance.

Floria (whispering) "Wow... I didn't know I could look like this."

Angela (beaming) "See? Told you! You're gorgeous, Floria. Now, let's try out some of these outfits."

They dive into the bags, holding up dresses and accessories, laughing as Floria tries on a few pieces. Angela helps Floria pick out a flowing, soft green dress that complements her gentle personality. When Floria steps out of the bathroom in the full outfit, she looks both nervous and radiant.

Floria (blushing) "Is it too much?"

Angela (shaking her head) "Not at all. It's perfect. You look amazing."

Showing to the prince

Lysander and Alexei are still locked into their game, but when Angela and Floria walk back into the room, Alexei pauses mid-action, his eyes widening when he sees Floria in her new look. Lysander notices the silence and looks up as well, raising an eyebrow.

Lysander "Whoa. Looking good, Floria."

Alexei is still staring, mouth slightly open. Floria shifts awkwardly under the attention but smiles shyly at him.

Alexei (grinning, genuinely impressed) "Wow, babe. You look… amazing."

Floria blushes even more, and Angela can't help but laugh.

Angela "See? What did I tell you?"

Lysander (smirking at Alexei) "Guess we've lost him for the rest of the night."

Alexei (laughing, finally snapping out of it) "Okay, okay, let's get back to the game. But seriously, babe, you look great."

Floria (smiling warmly) "Thanks, honey. And thanks, Angela. This was... really nice."

The room settles back into a comfortable rhythm—Lysander and Alexei back to their game, while Angela and Floria share a quiet conversation on the couch. The afternoon slips into evening, filled with the easy energy of friendship and family.

Scene: News of Alexei's death

The morning began like any other—students filtered into the classroom, their conversations a low hum in the background. Floria, as usual, sat in the back corner, her eyes occasionally drifting to the empty seat next to her. Alexei's seat.

He was always on time. Punctuality wasn't something he usually bothered with, but for the last few weeks, he had always been there—beside her, making a show of sliding into the seat with a playful grin. He had promised they would meet after class today to study. But today, he hadn't shown up.

Floria's brow furrowed as the minutes ticked by. She tapped her pencil lightly on the desk, the rhythm of her thoughts growing uneasy. Where is he? The question gnawed at her, but she told herself not to worry. Maybe he was late. Maybe he got held up.

Yet, as the clock continued to move and class began, the pit in her stomach deepened.

She sat through the first half of the lecture in silence, her eyes darting now and then toward the door, expecting—hoping—to see Alexei walk in, fashionably late with a casual excuse. But as the teacher droned on, Floria's heart sank. He wasn't coming.

During the break, she rose from her seat and scanned the hallway, anxiety bubbling in her chest. She hadn't realized how much she had come to rely on his presence. It wasn't like him to just vanish without a word.

Her instincts urged her to ask someone—anyone—if they had seen Alexei that morning. But before she could find the courage to voice her concern, a group of students nearby caught her attention.

Their voices were hushed but urgent.

"Did you hear? About the Gentoshi family?"

Floria's stomach twisted, and she stepped closer, her ears straining to catch every word.

"They said there was an accident… something terrible."

She froze, her blood running cold. The word accident thudded in her mind like a bell tolling.

Another student chimed in, his voice grim. "I heard it was Alexei. He's… he's dead."

Floria's world shattered in that instant. Her breath hitched as the words settled over her like a suffocating weight. Dead? Her heart screamed in denial. No, it couldn't be true. He couldn't be gone.

Her legs gave way, and she stumbled back, leaning against the wall for support as the room spun around her. Everything felt surreal, like she was trapped in a nightmare from which she couldn't wake up.

Alexei, the boy who had brought light into her world, was gone. Just like that. Her body trembled, her mind struggling to process the cruel reality.

The students continued to whisper, oblivious to her devastation, but Floria heard nothing more. She was drowning in a sea of grief, her heart breaking as the enormity of the loss settled over her.

Scene: The Depths of Floria's Grief

Floria couldn't remember how she got there, but she found herself sitting alone in a small, quiet corner of the academy courtyard. The world around her blurred, a haze of students and distant voices passing by, but none of it reached her. The weight of the news had numbed her senses, leaving only a raw, aching void where her heart once beat.

Alexei is dead.

The thought echoed endlessly in her mind, refusing to settle, as if some part of her still couldn't accept it. How could he be gone? He had been here, right beside her, only yesterday. They had laughed, talked, planned to study together after class today. His smile, so full of life, played in her memories, making the reality of his death all the more unbearable.

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She couldn't cry—not here, not in front of the world that continued to spin, indifferent to her pain. But the more she fought the tears, the harder it became to breathe. Her chest ached, her throat tightened, and her hands trembled as they clutched her lap.

She felt so... small. Powerless.

Her thoughts spiraled as her mind replayed every moment they had shared—the way he had casually chosen to sit next to her that first day, how he had teased her gently to break through her guarded silence, and the warmth of his presence that had gradually become the one thing she looked forward to. For someone who had spent most of her life alone, shunned and overlooked, Alexei had been a light she never thought she would find.

And now that light was gone.

"Why?" she whispered, her voice barely audible in the cool air around her. The question wasn't directed at anyone in particular. It was a cry to the universe, a plea for an answer that she knew would never come. Why him? Why now? Why did the one person who had cared about her, who had made her feel like she mattered, have to be taken away?

Her vision blurred, and this time she didn't fight the tears. They spilled down her cheeks in silent streams, her shoulders trembling as the sobs she had held back finally broke free. She buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with grief.

It was overwhelming—this pain, this emptiness. The world had already taken so much from her. She had grown up in an orphanage, cast aside, unwanted. But she had endured it. She had learned to survive. And then, just when she had found something worth holding onto, someone worth fighting for... the world had ripped him away.

She felt anger then—a cold, burning fury that flared up inside her. It wasn't fair. Alexei had been kind, good. He didn't deserve this. He had so much life left to live, so many dreams. How could the world be so cruel, so unforgiving?

The anger mixed with her sorrow, a bitter cocktail that left her feeling hollow. She wanted to scream, to lash out, to tear apart the unfairness of it all. But she couldn't. She was powerless, just as she had always been.

Her fingers dug into her palms, her knuckles white. She couldn't accept this. She wouldn't accept it.

And then, through the haze of her grief, a flicker of memory surfaced—Professor Roderick's voice, the whispers she had overheard about the Grimoire of Time Manipulation.

Her breath caught.

Reverse death.

The words echoed in her mind, and for the first time since she had heard the news, her heart beat with something other than sorrow. It was dangerous, it was forbidden... but what if it worked? What if there was a way to bring Alexei back?

Floria sat up, wiping the tears from her cheeks, her mind racing. Could it be possible? Could she find the Grimoire and undo this nightmare? The thought was like a lifeline, something to cling to in the midst of her despair.

"I could bring him back," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I could fix this."

The more she thought about it, the more determined she became. What did she have to lose? She had lived her whole life in the shadows, surviving by sheer will alone. But this—this was different. This was for Alexei. She couldn't let him go. She wouldn't.

Her grief transformed, solidifying into a singular focus: she would find the Grimoire, no matter the cost. She would do whatever it took to bring him back.

Scene: Lysander and Floria's First Real Talk

Floria's feet moved instinctively as she raced through the academy lobby, her mind a whirlwind of desperation. The echo of Alexei's absence still clung to her like a shadow, haunting every corner she passed. The world seemed distant, blurred, as if it were drifting further away from her reach with each step.

Suddenly, her frantic pace faltered. Through the wide glass panes of the lobby, she caught sight of someone sitting alone on the bench outside in the academy's front yard. The figure was slumped forward, head buried in his hands. The sun was beginning to set, casting a pale orange glow over the courtyard, but the light did nothing to lift the heavy air that seemed to cling to him.

Floria stopped, her breath catching as she recognized him. Lysander.

Her heart clenched. She had heard the whispers about his family, about the tragic deaths of his parents and siblings. And now, Alexei—his brother, her Alexei—was gone too.

For a moment, Floria stood frozen, watching him from inside the lobby, her fingers trembling against the glass. He looked so lost, so hollow. It was the first time she had ever seen him like this—completely undone, without the usual cold, composed exterior. He looked like he had lost everything.

In many ways, she knew that feeling. It was a feeling she had lived with all her life, from the day she had been left at the orphanage. But this… this was different. Losing Alexei felt like losing the one thread that had tied her to a world she could believe in, and seeing Lysander now only made that pain more acute.

Without thinking, she pushed through the door, stepping out into the cool, late afternoon air. Her pulse quickened as she approached him, unsure of what she could say, or if she should say anything at all. The distance between them closed slowly, her steps hesitant but driven by a shared grief.

When she stopped just a few paces away, she hesitated, her voice almost lost in the quiet of the courtyard.

"Lysander…"

The sound of his name barely carried, but it was enough. He shifted, his movements slow, as though the weight of his loss made even the simplest action unbearable. Floria's heart ached for him, for both of them, knowing that nothing she could say would change the pain they shared.

She waited in silence, unsure if she could speak the words she wanted to. All she could do was stand there, staring at the ground, while the weight of everything they had lost seemed to settle between them like an unspoken bond.

Scene: The Miracle of Alexei's Return

The academy hallways buzzed with their usual energy—students heading to class, conversations about assignments and weekend plans drifting through the air—but none of it registered with Floria. She moved through the crowds like a ghost, her mind consumed by the last few days. Ever since overhearing the conversation about the Grimoire of Time Manipulation, her thoughts had been a storm of possibilities, dangers, and desperate hope.

She hadn't been able to shake the idea. What if it could work? What if there was a way to reverse Alexei's death, to undo the nightmare she was trapped in?

It was in the middle of these thoughts, as she walked the familiar halls, that she heard a voice—so familiar, so unmistakable—that it stopped her in her tracks.

"Floria."

Her heart skipped a beat, freezing in place as she slowly turned toward the sound. And there he was.

Alexei.

He stood at the end of the corridor, his eyes locked on her, the same easy smile tugging at his lips as if nothing had ever changed. As if he hadn't been taken from her. As if the last few days had been nothing more than a bad dream.

Floria's breath hitched, her mind struggling to catch up with what her eyes were seeing. For a moment, she couldn't move, couldn't breathe. It was impossible, but there he was—alive. Not a memory or a shadow, but Alexei, standing in front of her, his presence so real it made her head spin.

"Alexei…?" The word barely escaped her lips, her voice trembling as if saying his name might break the illusion.

He grinned, stepping closer. "Yeah, it's me. You look like you've seen a ghost."

Her legs moved before her mind caught up, rushing toward him, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't believe it. Couldn't believe this was real. She reached for him, her fingers trembling as they brushed against his arm. Warm. Solid. Alive.

"Alexei… how…?" Her voice cracked, tears welling up in her eyes. It didn't make sense. He had been gone, she had felt the weight of his loss crushing her—yet here he was, standing right in front of her, like nothing had ever happened.

He tilted his head, confused but amused by her reaction. "Are you okay? You look like you've been crying."

She couldn't answer. All she could do was stare, her emotions whirling between disbelief and overwhelming joy. Her hand clutched at his sleeve, needing the contact to prove that this wasn't just a cruel trick of her mind. He was here.

Tears spilled down her cheeks, but this time, they weren't tears of sorrow—they were tears of relief, of something like happiness that she hadn't felt since he had been taken from her. She threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest, the sound of his heartbeat filling her ears, grounding her in the reality she had longed for.

"I thought you were gone," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Alexei wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, his voice soft in her ear. "Gone? What are you talking about, Floria? I'm right here."

She clung to him, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt, not daring to let go, afraid that if she did, he might disappear again. But he didn't. He was solid and real, and his warmth enveloped her, driving away the cold emptiness that had haunted her since his death.

For a moment, everything was perfect. The world around them faded, leaving only the two of them, and the crushing grief that had consumed her for days melted away in his embrace.

But beneath the joy, a faint whisper lingered in the back of her mind—a shadow of doubt. How was this possible?

Floria pulled back slightly, looking up at him, her tear-filled eyes searching his face for any sign of something... wrong. But Alexei was smiling, his usual carefree grin that had always made her feel like everything would be okay. Still, that nagging unease remained. This was too perfect. Too much like a dream.

"How… how did this happen?" she asked softly, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. "I thought I lost you…"

Alexei shrugged lightly, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "You didn't lose me. I've been here, haven't I?"

Floria frowned. His words didn't answer her question, and a part of her knew he couldn't possibly understand what had really happened. But the weight of her relief, the joy of seeing him again, drowned out those doubts—for now.

Whatever had happened, whoever had rewritten time—it didn't matter. He was here. And for that, she would be forever grateful.

But somewhere deep in her mind, a small voice reminded her: this came with a cost.

Scene: Quadro Forbidden Magic

Floria stood silently amidst the group, her mind swirling with confusion. Alexei was right there—alive, breathing, smiling at her—and it filled her heart with warmth and relief. But something was wrong. Her memories felt incomplete, fragmented, like pieces of a puzzle that didn't quite fit together.

She remembered the initial attempts to reverse time. It had been her idea—desperate and reckless, but it was the only hope she had clung to. She recalled the early trials, the way time seemed to slip between their fingers, the endless failures. But after a certain point, things became hazy. She couldn't remember how they succeeded. She couldn't even remember her final moments before Alexei and Angela came back.

Floria: (her voice tentative, uncertain) "How... did this happen? I mean, how did we actually succeed? I remember trying, but then... it's like my memory stops."

Her eyes darted between Alexei, Angela, and finally landed on Lysander, whose gaze dropped to the floor as if avoiding her question.

Alexei: (laughing nervously) "What are you talking about, babe… Did you just watch one of Lysander's Doctor Who episodes? Oh common, bro, spare my little girl." 

Angela: (laughing) "Lmao, our cinderella is now a sci-fi girlboss."

Their voices and laughter cut through Floria like a knife. They didn't remember. Not the attempts, not the deaths. Nothing. Her gaze drifted to Lysander, whose somber expression told her he knew the truth. He had always known.

Floria: (quieter, her gaze locked on Lysander) "They don't remember, do they?"

Lysander's eyes flicked to Alexei and Angela before returning to Floria. He took a slow breath, knowing that the explanation was bound to hurt.

Lysander: (softly) "No, they don't. They can't."

Angela: (raising an eyebrow) "Can't what? What's going on? Why are you two acting so... strange?"

Alexei's hand slid into Floria's, his thumb brushing against her knuckles, grounding her. But it didn't ease the growing sense of wrongness that was building inside her.

Alexei: (gently) "Floria, talk to me. What's this about?"

Floria: (taking a deep breath) "You... you and Angela. You both died. It wasn't supposed to happen. I... I couldn't accept it, so I tried to reverse time. But... I don't remember how we succeeded."

Alexei: (scoffing, incredulous) "Died? What are you talking about? I feel fine. I mean, I don't remember anything strange happening."

Angela crossed her arms, the confusion etched into her features.

Angela: "Yeah, this is... pretty hard to believe. You're saying we died, and you somehow reversed time? Lysander, is this some kind of joke?"

Lysander shook his head, his expression grave.

Lysander: (quiet but firm) "It's not a joke, Angela. You both... died… Remember the dark flame incident? Where our bastard brother Hugo destroyed the estate and killed our parents? You two were supposed to die with them. "

Alexei: "...What?"

There was a stunned silence. Alexei and Angela exchanged bewildered glances, the disbelief plain on their faces.

Angela: (laughing uneasily) "Okay, that's impossible. Like, literally impossible. I mean, time travel? Come on."

Alexei: (nodding) "Exactly. You're saying we died and just... what? Came back to life? I don't remember any of that."

Floria bit her lip, trying to contain the wave of frustration and sorrow building inside her. She turned toward Lysander, needing him to explain what she couldn't.

Floria: (shaking her head) "I don't remember the final attempt. Lysander... What did you do?"

Lysander's expression grew even darker as he stepped forward, his voice low and steady.

Lysander: "Floria… We have been failing… over and over again. After a certain point, I realized the time ritual wasn't working the way we thought. Every time we tried to save them, it only made things worse. And after so many failures, I figured out that... I didn't need your help anymore."

Floria: (blinking in shock) "What?"

Lysander: "You see…That time ritual requires the sacrifice of those who are close to the intended target. And this is the Gentoshi family's business. You only have links to Alexei but I am linked to everyone involved. So I did it… without you."

Alexei: (disbelieving) "You're saying you just... rewound time by yourself? To bring us back?"

Lysander: (nodding) "Yes. That's why neither of you remember anything about the deaths, or the attempts. You were... erased from the loop. Your memories were rewritten with each reset."

Angela stared at Lysander, her mouth slightly open in shock.

Angela: (slowly) "You're serious. We really... died?"

Lysander: (gravely) "Yes. Hugo's powers... they spiraled out of control. No matter what I tried, he kept causing everything to fall apart."

Alexei: (growing pale) "And we...?"

Lysander: "Well you died… sometimes. Every time. I tried to save you both. I even tried to save our parents, but it was impossible. No matter how many times I reset, they always died. So I stopped trying. I saved you and Alexei, but our parents... they're gone."

Angela fell into a stunned silence, her arms dropping to her sides. Alexei looked at Floria, his face ashen, still struggling to process the reality of what they were being told.

Alexei: (softly) "Floria... you tried to save us?"

Floria: (voice trembling) "I tried. Over and over again. But Lysander—he's the one who..."

Her words trailed off, the frustration in her voice giving way to exhaustion. The truth was, she had lost control of the situation long before it ended. Lysander had been the one to finish it.

Angela: (whispering) "And we never knew..."

Floria: (looking at Lysander, a mix of anger and understanding in her eyes) "You took that choice away from me. I should have been part of it until the end. It was me who brought up the idea. Not you!!!"

Floria: (Starting to cry) "I should be the first to see my revived love… I'd like to save him…"

Alexei: (reaching out, hugging Floria) "It doesn't matter now. We're here. We're together."

Floria: (sobbing into Alexei's chest) "But I wasn't the one... I wasn't the one who saved you..."

The room fell into uneasy silence, the enormity of what had happened—and what had been lost—hanging in the air. They had been given a second chance, but the scars of the past lingered, and the weight of their shared experience would never truly leave them.

Angela: (softly) "So... what now?"

Lysander: (quietly) "We move forward. No more resets. I don't have it in me to try again. This is our final timeline."

The four stood in uneasy silence, grappling with the enormity of what had happened—and the fact that, despite everything, they had been given a second chance.

Scene: New familySetting: The Orphanage – Flashback

The orphanage garden was the only place where Floria could escape. Hidden away behind the crumbling brick walls of the building, it was overgrown and neglected, but to her, it was a sanctuary. She knelt in the dirt, her hands caked in soil as she carefully tended to the small patch of green she had managed to coax into life.

The other children didn't care about the garden. They saw no beauty in the stubborn flowers that struggled to bloom. But to Floria, every stem, every leaf, was a reminder that even in a place like this, something could survive.

Floria: (softly, to herself) "You just need a little care, don't you?"

Her voice was barely a whisper, but it was the only kindness she allowed herself. She couldn't afford to care about anything—or anyone—else in the orphanage. Life here had taught her that love and trust were luxuries she couldn't afford.

The door to the orphanage creaked open, and Madame Briar's sharp voice echoed through the small courtyard.

Madame Briar: (disdainfully) "Floria! Are you out here playing with dirt again? What a waste of time. You think flowers will change your life?"

Floria straightened, her back stiff. She kept her eyes on the patch of soil in front of her, refusing to give Madame Briar the satisfaction of seeing her upset.

Madame Briar: (sneering) "You should be focusing on your studies. Just because you've managed to get into that fancy school, doesn't mean you're anything special."

The words stung, but Floria didn't flinch. She knew better than to react. Instead, she gently patted the earth around one of the plants, her hands steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Floria: (quietly) "Gardening is about patience, Madame Briar. It takes time, but something beautiful comes out of it."

Madame Briar scoffed, but Floria didn't hear the rest of her insults as she walked away. The garden was her refuge, and in that moment, it was enough to keep her going. She had learned that nurturing something—whether it was a plant or her own future—took time and resilience.

Setting: Lysander's Apartment – Current time, afternoon

Angela: (grinning, half-joking) "You know, Floria, we should just adopt you into the Gentoshi family officially. You practically live here anyway."

Alexei: (teasing, smirking at Floria) "Yeah, you're already part of the family. Might as well make it official, babe."

Floria chuckled, but something in their words tugged at her heart. The thought of having a real family—something she never had growing up—was both comforting and foreign. Her fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on the armrest, memories of the orphanage flashing in her mind.

Floria: (smiling, but her voice soft) "A real family... It still feels strange, you know? I didn't have that growing up. The orphanage wasn't exactly warm and welcoming."

Her words carried a weight that made the others fall silent for a moment. Alexei, ever the observant one, noticed the shift in her tone. He reached out, placing a hand over hers.

Alexei: (gently) "You've got us now. We're your family."

Lysander: (grinning, though his voice was more serious) "Yeah, and trust me, we're a lot more fun than Madame. Briar."

Floria blinked, surprised by the mention of her past. She hadn't told them much about her time in the orphanage. But Lysander, as always, seemed to know more than he let on.

Angela: (sitting up, her eyes softening) "Floria... if you ever want to talk about it, we're here."

Floria hesitated, glancing between her friends—no, her family. A part of her still carried the scars from the orphanage, from the years of enduring Mr. Briar's abuse. But sitting here, surrounded by people who cared about her, who saw her for who she was, she realized that those scars didn't have to define her.

Floria: (smiling, her voice filled with quiet strength) "You guys already are my family."

Alexei pulled her into a hug, his warmth chasing away the last remnants of her painful memories. For the first time in years, she felt like she belonged—like she had a place where she could truly grow.