Chapter 6 Night wore on

As the night wore on, Valérie and Alexander strolled through the gardens, their arms entwined, their hearts beating as one. They spoke of everything and nothing, their words flowing like a gentle stream, their minds and hearts connecting on a deep and primal level.

As they walked, the shadows seemed to grow longer, the darkness deepening around them. But Valérie felt no fear, no sense of unease. She was safe with Alexander, safe in his embrace.

And then, without warning, he stopped, his eyes burning with an inner fire as he gazed into hers. "Valérie," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "I want to show you something."

He led her to a nearby fountain, its waters glinting in the moonlight. And then, with a gentle smile, he reached out and traced a symbol on the water's surface.

The symbol seemed to shimmer, to glow with an otherworldly light. And then, in a burst of radiance, the water seemed to come alive, swirling around them in a vortex of light and sound.

Valérie felt herself being drawn into the vortex, felt herself being pulled into a world beyond her wildest dreams. And as she looked into Alexander's eyes, she knew that she was not alone. He was with her, always and forever.