Selene found herself at Lyra's place later that evening, sitting in her friend's cozy living room. The air smelled of fresh jasmine tea, and the soft glow of candles added to the comforting atmosphere.
"So," Lyra began with a sly grin, "how are things going with Kael?"
Selene smiled, wrapping her hands around the warm mug. "Better. We've had some good talks lately. I think we're both trying to figure out where we stand."
Lyra nodded knowingly. "I've seen the way you two look at each other. There's something there, even after all this time."
Selene sighed, her smile fading slightly. "I just don't want to mess it up again. I made so many mistakes before. What if I hurt him again?"
Lyra reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Selene's arm. "You've grown since then. So has Kael. And I think you both deserve a fresh start."
"I hope so," Selene said softly. "It feels like we're reconnecting, but I'm scared it won't last."
Lyra's smile was gentle as she leaned back in her chair. "Love doesn't always have guarantees, but that's what makes it worth it. You two have history, and sometimes, that's enough to build something even stronger."
Selene nodded, feeling the weight of her friend's words settle in her heart. "You're right. I guess I just need to trust in us."
Lyra smiled brightly. "Exactly. And, by the way, Damian's been talking about you non-stop lately."
Selene raised an eyebrow, a knowing grin spreading across her face. "Oh really? Seems like someone else is falling in love, too."
Lyra blushed, her cheeks turning pink. "I don't know if it's that serious yet, but...there's definitely something between us."
"You two are perfect for each other," Selene said warmly. "I can see it. You've always had that connection."
"Maybe," Lyra mused, a small smile tugging at her lips. "We'll see where it goes."
---
As the moon rose high in the sky, Kael found himself thinking about the moments he had shared with Selene over the past few days. He knew their path was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, he felt hopeful.
He had made a decision. Tomorrow, he would ask Selene to take a walk with him, back to the place where they had made all their childhood promises. He needed to see if those promises still held weight, if they could still be fulfilled.
Across town, Selene lay awake in bed, her thoughts mirroring Kael's. She wondered what tomorrow would bring, and whether the new connection they had built could withstand the weight of their shared past.
But for the first time, the fear wasn't overwhelming. It was tempered by something else, a quiet hope that whispered of second chances.