The New Beginning

~CODY~

The insistent pounding in my head jolted me awake from a restless slumber. Each throb felt like a solo drum performance, echoing through my skull. As I tried to make sense of it, the curtain opened, welcoming the morning light into my room. I groaned, rubbing my eyes, and as they fluttered open, the realization hit me—I was back in my room at the royal home.

Then, as if my head wasn't already protesting enough, Caden's voice cut through the haze. "Cody! Time to rise and shine! College is calling, and we can't miss the start of this semester."

At the mention of college, I bolted upright, memories flooding back—the revelation about Rain, the decisions made, and then the blackout. Gasping, I rose from the bed.

"Rain," I murmured, hoping my reset had worked. Rushing to my desk, I rifled through photos, my heart racing. Closing my eyes, I wished fervently for everything to have changed when I opened them.

Among the frozen snapshots of birthdays and family gatherings, there was no tr