Late June

You're almost done packing your room in the attic, working on the endless bookshelf when you come across an old book - thick with a gold and black cover that glistens in the afternoon sun streaming through the open window. "The Reincarnated" is embossed in elegant cursive on the cover. You flip through quickly before stuffing it in your bag for later.

You tape up the last boxes and head down the ladder, drawn instinctively to Francis. You find her beneath your favorite tree, wearing the faded hoodie you've shared since sophomore year, her long black hair tied back in a loose bun. Before you can say anything, you're sitting beside her and opening the book.

"What the hell is that?" Francis asks, taking off her headphones and leaning over your shoulder to get a better look. You shrug and begin to read aloud.

"Long ago, in a kingdom once ruled by monsters before being taken by man. A king in terrible debt from war, and a princess with no interest in the noble suitors lining up for her hand. A knight sworn to protect her, and the prince destined to marry her. The knight was smitten with the princess, though their love could never be acknowledged, two women in a world that allowed only men and women to love openly."