Darkness faded.
He opened his eyes—not to pain, nor sirens, but to a soft breeze brushing against his face. Above him, a sky of endless blue stretched beyond fluffy, floating petals. He was lying on warm grass, surrounded by a breathtaking garden filled with glowing flowers, trees that shimmered with silver leaves, and a gentle stream that sang like a lullaby.
As he sat up in awe, he heard footsteps—light and graceful.
Turning, he saw her. Not the small, frightened girl from before, but a radiant young woman. She looked ethereal—long flowing hair like moonlight, eyes that held galaxies, and a calm, warm smile. Yet… those eyes. He recognized them.
"You… you're the girl I saved," he said slowly, heart pounding.
She nodded, stepping closer. "Yes. But that was only one of my forms. I am a goddess, and I was testing the hearts of humans. You, without hesitation, gave your life to protect me."
He blinked, trying to grasp it all. "So… am I dead?"
She smiled gently. "You were. But not anymore. Your courage and kindness have granted you a second chance—along with three wishes. Anything your heart desires."
His jaw dropped slightly. "Anything?"
"Anything," she confirmed, her voice like a soft chime
The boy looked into her celestial eyes, and something stirred in his chest—something stronger than excitement, deeper than admiration. His heart pounded. He didn't just see a goddess. He saw her.
"Then… for my first wish," he said without hesitation, "I want you to be my wife."
Time froze.
The garden fell silent. Even the breeze seemed to hold its breath. The goddess blinked, stunned. In all her eternal life, not even gods—beings who shaped stars and bent time—had dared to say such a thing to her. Yet this mortal, so newly awakened, had proposed without a hint of fear.
A faint pink colored her cheeks, the tiniest hitch in her breath betraying a flutter in her divine heart.
"You… want me? As your wife?" she asked softly, her voice touched with disbelief.
He nodded, firmly. "I don't know why, but when I saw you… I just knew. I don't care if you're a goddess or if I'm just a human. I want to be with you."
Her expression turned serious, though the warmth never left her eyes. "You may not understand what you're asking. I am a being far beyond mortal comprehension. My true form could shatter your soul. Right now, you can't even survive my aura at full strength. Unless… you can rise to my level."
He opened his mouth to respond—burning with determination—but before he could speak, she raised her hand, silencing him.
A small, amused smile curved her lips. "Still… your heart is pure. And your courage… rare."
She stepped closer, her fingers brushing lightly against his cheek. "If you're this persistent…"
Her gaze softened. "...Then fine. I accept. From this moment forward, I am yours."
The garden lit up, as if the very world celebrated the union of a mortal's love and a goddess's heart