"Three months will be over in no time. You just have to hold out for that long."

Maya muttered the words under her breath like a chant as she stood before the mirrored glass along the path to the Abyss Gate—the place where all Earth-bound missions began.

The reflection staring back at her was a mess. Her cheeks were blotchy, her eyes red from trying too hard not to cry, and her curls looked like they'd given up trying to stay in place. Her Cupid uniform, a simple tunic wrapped with golden thread, was already wrinkled from pacing.

Behind her, the air felt different—thick, like a storm was about to break. The corridor that led to the gate was quiet except for the faint hum of energy from the Abyss itself, pulsing like a heartbeat. The path ahead was bathed in a cold, pale light, and the surrounding marble seemed to absorb all warmth.

Morales stood a few steps behind, mirroring her tension. One hand rubbed the back of his neck while the other clutched the red file like it would vanish if he loosened his grip. His brows were drawn tight, the corners of his mouth turned downward, and even his wings, faint and glowing at his back, drooped slightly.

Without warning, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tight enough to anchor them both. She buried her face in his chest, letting the familiar smell of old paper, ink, and whatever citrus tea he always drank settle her nerves.

Fear clawed at her chest, but she wouldn't let herself cry. Not in front of Morales. Not now.

She pulled away first. Her voice was small but sure. "I'll come back."

He nodded and tried to smile. "Make sure you do, Peyton."

Her lips curved in a weak half-smile, and he ruffled her hair gently like always.

"I'll wait for you to come back."

That's when she noticed it—the red file in his hands. Her smile faded as her eyes locked onto it. The final piece. The moment it stopped being talk and started becoming real.

Morales followed her gaze. He stiffened, squaring his shoulders as he stepped forward and opened the file.

His voice took on an official tone. "Maya Peyton, as of this moment your earthly test has begun. You are not expected to return until you have successfully completed and passed your test." A pause. His next words came slower. "Penalty for returning early, or without success, is banishment. Do you understand the terms of your test?"

Maya swallowed and nodded. "I do."

She took the file from his hands, her fingers brushing his briefly. It felt like the final goodbye.

Something flickered in Morales's expression—hesitation, maybe regret. Then, impulsively, he called out, "Maya."

She stopped just steps away from the edge and turned back.

He didn't hesitate this time. He crossed the distance in two strides, pulled her into one final hug, and placed a kiss gently on her forehead. His voice was low. "Come back to me."

Her eyes stung as she nodded. She pulled away slowly, turned, and walked forward without looking back.

The light of the Cupid realm faded behind her.

The Abyss was quiet, endless, and terrifying. A wide path suspended over nothing, surrounded by cold mist that seemed to stretch forever. No sound, no time—just space and a creeping sense of loneliness.

She clutched the red file tighter.

Then came the pull.

Like a hook in her chest, dragging her forward—until everything went white.

_______***___

Maya blinked.

She was standing on a city sidewalk, blinking against the sudden brightness of the afternoon sun. Heat rose from the pavement, and the air buzzed with the distant hum of traffic, honking cars, and human chatter.

Manhattan.

The buildings loomed high and close, glass and concrete stacked into narrow lanes that smelled like roasted nuts, exhaust, and sidewalk coffee. Just ahead was a faded wooden sign: Sunny Again Tomorrow Coffee Shop.

She looked down. In her hands was the red file. Her heart pounded.

"Maya Peyton, twenty-three years old," she read aloud. "Resides in Manhattan, New York, apartment five near Sunny Again Tomorrow Coffee Shop. Qualified for work as a secretary, banker, or baker..."

She swallowed.

"You have been transported to the front of your apartment. Ask for your key at the front desk and settle in."

The moment she finished reading, the file dissolved into glowing dust and vanished into the wind.

Her chest tightened.

Her breath came too fast. It felt like she didn't remember how to breathe properly—every inhale took effort, like she had to consciously choose it.

She looked around. The coffee shop looked cozy and old-fashioned—glass windows smudged with fingerprints, tiny chalkboard signs in the window, and customers chatting inside, mugs in hand. Next to it was the apartment building—slim, brownstone, with ivy crawling up the side.

People passed her by without stopping, but Maya felt like she had a neon sign over her head. New. Weird. Doesn't belong.

Still, she moved forward, steps unsteady. The lobby of the apartment complex was clean and simple, with warm brown furniture, cream-colored walls, and a front desk tucked into the corner.

There were a few people scattered around—checking mail, talking, or scrolling through their phones—but Maya swore they were all sneaking glances her way.

Could they tell?

Could they see she didn't belong here?

She approached the front desk as calmly as she could manage.

"I'd like the key to apartment five. Under the name Maya Peyton."

The woman at the desk looked up. Her glasses slid down her nose a bit, and she offered a polite smile. "Give me a minute."

Maya gripped the edge of the desk to keep her balance.

Each second dragged. Her legs felt like jelly. If she had to stand there much longer, she was sure she'd just fold into the floor.

"Is there... a problem?" she finally asked.

The receptionist looked apologetic. "Sorry—we're having some issues with the system. Please take a seat. I'll get it sorted right away."

Maya gave a tight nod and moved to the row of chairs nearby. The seat was a blessing—soft, just firm enough to keep her from melting completely.

She slumped into it and tried to breathe.

Nobody was staring anymore.

Or so she thought.

A shadow passed in front of her.

"Did you fall from the heavens?" came a voice, teasing and too confident. "Because you're definitely not human."

Her breath caught.

Hands trembling, eyes wide, she looked up at the stranger

-if you enjoyed this Chapter, check out chapter 4 to see what happens next-

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