First came the light, then the blast.
Kitty was thrown to the ground by the shock wave.
Behind her the Glass Palace was shattered down by the violence of the explosion: pieces of glass and iron collapsed on themselves while others were scattered all around the park.
Kitty remained a few minutes there, lying down on the cold ground waiting for it to end.
She felt the amulet of Samarkand pulsing around her neck.
She knew it saved her. He saved her...
After a few minutes, when the explosion subsided, Kitty was finally able to sit down and to take a look around.
What she saw appalled her: there were only ashes and ruins within a radius of kilometers , not even a blade of grass was left alive.
Kitty got up as fast as she could and started calling out Nathaniel’s name with a croaky voice.
There was no answer.
Panicked she walked around the ruins shouting his name at the top of her lungs for minutes.
Everything remained still... There was no living being there.
...he had broken his promise... she should have known better...
Kitty lowered her head.
All of sudden she felt incredibly tired... she just wanted to rest.
She was about to leave when she heard a soft noise behind her.
It seemed like a hop.
She turned immediately, her heart was beating fast.
Then she saw him.
Nathaniel was standing there, ten steps away from her.
He was dirty, full of wounds and with his expensive suit torn in several places but nonetheless he was very much alive.
And he was looking at her with a beaming smile plastered on his face.
“Kitty! We did it!” He said enthusiastically as he limped towards her with the seven-league boots at his feet.
For the first time in years Kitty felt the tears forming in the corner of her eyes.
She remained still waiting for him.
When he finally reached her, she slapped him in the face.
Nathaniel froze on the spot. He looked helpless.
“Kitty, I-I...” he stammered.
“This is for letting me think you were dead!” She cut him off, grabbing his shirt and pulling him closer.
Now their faces were only inches apart.
Kitty waited only for a moment before closing the distance.
His lips were soft and warm against hers. She lost herself in the sensation and she felt Nathaniel reciprocate the kiss.
They stayed like that until they had to catch their breath.
“And this was for being alive.” She said while parting their lips.
Kitty felt flushed, almost lightheaded...
She looked up at Nathaniel a bit embarrassed by her rushed decision but when their eyes met he was glowing.
They smiled at each other full of happiness.
“I’ll never broke my promises again.” He said hugging her fervently.
“Isn’t that another promise of yours?” She laughed hugging him tightly.