Rosalina's eyelids fluttered open as consciousness slowly returned to her.
For several long moments, her mind remained blank, unable to distinguish dream from reality.
The first thing that entered her vision was a canopy of enormous crimson branches stretching endlessly above her.
Countless intertwined limbs formed a natural roof overhead, while gentle rays of crimson moonlight filtered through the narrow gaps between the leaves, bathing the entire forest in a soft scarlet glow.
The faint rustling of leaves drifted through the silent night alongside a cool breeze carrying the sweet fragrance of unfamiliar flowers.
Everything around her felt strangely peaceful, so peaceful that it almost seemed unreal.
A quiet groan escaped her lips as she slowly turned onto her side.
It was a mistake.
The second thing she saw after waking caused every trace of sleepiness to disappear from her eyes.
Julius lay motionless beside her.
