It was early morning in Rivenfold.
The sun came gently through the Academy windows, painting everything in soft orange light. Harvie was sitting on a wooden bench under a tree in the garden, next to Edna. He held a cup of warm tea in his hands. She had one too. Neither of them spoke. They just watched the students in the distance practicing spells and sword swings.
For once, everything felt peaceful.
Harvie looked at Edna. Her short red hair was tied up today. Her eyes looked more relaxed than usual. He could feel warmth from her beside him. Not just from her fire magic, but from her… presence.
"Thanks for yesterday," Edna said finally, looking at him with a soft smile. "If you didn't come, I think I would've been burned alive."
Harvie shook his head. "You didn't need me. You're strong."
"Maybe," she said, sipping her tea. "But sometimes, it's okay to lean on someone. Right?"
Harvie wanted to say something. He wanted to say everything. About dying. About rewinding time. About how he felt a piece of himself break every time he saw her hurt. But he couldn't. The system wouldn't let him.
So instead, he said, "Yeah. I guess it is."
Later that day, they walked through the festival streets of Rivenfold. The city was full of lights and sounds. Colored lanterns floated in the air, food stalls lined the streets, and people laughed everywhere.
Harvie bought her a red apple candy. She smiled like a kid when she bit into it. It made his heart feel weird.
They sat near a pond where golden fish swam. The lanterns reflected on the water, making it look like a sky full of stars.
"You know," Edna said, her voice soft, "I used to hate fire. Because it hurt. It burned. But now… I think I've started to like it again. Because of you."
Harvie didn't know how to reply. Her words made his chest tight. She leaned in closer. Her face just inches from his.
"Harvie," she whispered, "Can I…?"
Her lips were almost touching his.
But Harvie turned his head away.
He stood up quickly. "Sorry. I… I need to go."
He walked away before she could say anything else.
He walked fast. His heart was pounding. His head felt heavy.
I can't do this. Not when I'm lying. Not when I'm dying over and over.
That night, Harvie couldn't sleep. He stood on the balcony of his room, looking at the moon.
Then he felt it. A sharp pain in his back.
He looked down. A dagger was sticking out.
Blood dripped from his lips. He saw the assassin's mask as he fell forward.
You have died. Activating Reset Point.
The world turned red. Then black. Then light returned.
Harvie gasped, waking up on the same morning bench, tea in hand, Edna by his side again.
Everything was the same.
"Morning," Edna said with a smile.
Harvie just nodded. But his hands were shaking.
How many times will I die just to see this same smile?