Echoes of Wonderland

A night to remember

Red's POV

As Chloe and I stand outside the magnificent Charming Castle, now a symbol of her future, the night air feels both exhilarating and heavy with the weight of our impending departure. The castle, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, stands as a testament to the journey we've undertaken. I pull out the pocket watch, the very device that has been our ticket to the past and now our bridge to the future.

Chloe's gaze meets mine, and in that shared look, we find ourselves reflecting on who we were before this trip and who we've become. It's hard to believe how much has changed—how much we've grown. Once just friends, now in love and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. The thought of what awaits us fills us with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

- We did it. - Chloe says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. - We've come so far.

- Yeah, we have. - I nod, squeezing her hand gently. - And whatever happens next, we'll face it together.

There's a flicker of doubt in her eyes, a shadow of concern about what our return to the timeline might bring. Ella met Charming, which means Chloe's existence should be secure. Bridget wasn't pranked, so she shouldn't be evil. Everything should be alright, right? We both cling to the hope that our efforts will have set things right.

Chloe takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

- Are you ready? - She asks, her voice trembling slightly with the weight of the moment.

- Ready as I'll ever be. - I offer her a reassuring smile and extend my hand.

She takes my hand, her grip firm and comforting. We share one last, lingering look, an unspoken promise of support and love. With a nod, we turn our attention to the pocket watch.The moonlight catches the intricate details of the watch as we press the button together. A soft, swirling glow envelops us, and the world begins to spin faster and faster. Our life flashes before our eyes, a rapid montage of moments and memories. We cling to each other, seeking solace in our connection as time races forward, carrying us back to our original timeline.

As the world around us blurs, Chloe and I find comfort in each other's gaze. We hold onto the hope that everything will be alright, that our choices have made a difference. With our hearts intertwined and our spirits aligned, we brace ourselves for the future that awaits, knowing that, no matter what, we will face it together.

---

Back at their timeline

The swirling light of the pocket watch fades, and Chloe and I find ourselves standing outside the Charming Castle, now bathed in the serene glow of moonlight. The grandeur of the castle feels both familiar and new, a testament to our journey through time and our return to the present. We exchange a glance, our faces reflecting a mix of relief and trepidation.

- We're back. - Chloe's voice is quiet, almost overwhelmed. - But what's next?

- We face it together. - I reply, squeezing her hand for reassurance. - No matter what's changed.

- You think they'll be okay with us? - Chloe asks, a hint of worry in her eyes as she glances at our intertwined hands. - You know, with us being... us?

- You mean me being your girlfriend? - I say, wincing as I realize how awkward that sounded.

- You just call yourself my what now? - Chloe's eyes light up with a teasing grin, her amusement clear.

- Ugh, just forget I said anything. - I try to sound nonchalant, though I'm blushing a bit. - I'm not repeating it.

- Wait a second, did you just make our relationship official? - Chloe's voice is a mix of surprise and delight.