Jon had always enjoyed pulling elaborate pranks, and his wealth made even the most outlandish ideas possible. After confessing his feelings to Audrey, he decided to orchestrate something unforgettable to amuse her and show off a little. During their stay at a centuries-old colonial villa in Peru, he staged a ghostly encounter using a professional crew to create the illusion of a “floating” spirit.

The prank wasn’t just aimed at Audrey. Jon had also included his bodyguard, Theo, as an unsuspecting target. Jon and Theo had become friends over time, their friendship forming after a few security details. Theo had been hired to protect Jon after the embarrassing incident where a group of fangirls ambushed him before a tennis game, and after telling Theo about that, they began talking to each other with familial ease.

At first, their relationship was strictly professional, with Theo treating Jon like any other high-maintenance client. But Jon’s curiosity and tendency to wander into trouble had eventually worn Theo down. They started talking more, and Theo opened up about his life. During one of these conversations, Jon discovered Theo’s aversion to anything supernatural.

“Ghosts? Nah,” Theo had said, shaking his head firmly. “That ain’t part of the job. I ain’t no ghost buster.”

Jon laughed. “What if I paid you to be a ghost buster?”

Theo raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Ain’t enough money in the world, boss. You run into a ghost, you’re on your own. I’ll be three miles down the road, calling for backup.”

Jon had laughed so hard he nearly fell off his chair. The memory stayed with him—and now, standing in the villa’s dimly lit hallways, he couldn’t resist putting Theo’s words to the test.

The hallway was the perfect stage: dimly lit with antique mirrors and flickering candles casting eerie shadows. Jon had coaxed both Audrey and Theo into exploring the villa with him under the pretense of admiring its history. He had deliberately chosen Theo as part of the group, knowing his bodyguard’s aversion to anything supernatural.

As they walked, a soft, eerie moaning sound began to echo through the hall, growing louder with each step. Audrey slowed, her posture stiffening as her eyes darted toward the shadows. Theo, walking a few steps behind, muttered under his breath, “Oh no. Nope. Nope.”

The sound crescendoed, and suddenly, a pale, glowing figure appeared at the far end of the hall. It "floated" forward with unnatural smoothness, the hidden rigging working perfectly. The ghost’s translucent fabric shimmered in the flickering candlelight, and its glowing eyes seemed to pierce the darkness.

Audrey froze, staring wide-eyed at the apparition. “W-What is that doing here?!” she whispered, her voice trembling but sharp with alarm.

Theo’s reaction was immediate. “Nope! Not doing this!” His deep voice cracked slightly as he turned on his heel, all 6’5” of him moving surprisingly fast for someone his size. He made a beeline for the nearest exit, muttering, “Casper can have this hallway! I’ll be outside if you survive!”

Jon barely managed to keep a straight face as he called after him, “Theo, wait! Protect us!”

Theo’s voice echoed back, “Oh, hell no! That’s a ghost!” He said, his figure already vanishing in the distance.

Audrey glanced back briefly before focusing on the ghost again. Her breathing quickened, but her feet stayed planted.

“Stay behind me,” Audrey said firmly, her voice a mix of fear and resolve.

Jon opened his mouth to protest, but she wasn’t listening.

The ghost “floated” closer, its eerie swaying and glowing form enhanced by subtle lighting effects. Audrey’s fingers curled into fists, and she stepped forward, her face set with grim determination.

A loud laugh of nervousness escaped her lips, but it came out more like a maniacal cackle, the kind you’d expect from someone on the edge of insanity. She took another step forward, instinctively lashing out with her hands at the figure in front of her.

Before Jon could stop her, Audrey launched herself at the “ghost,” her fingernails raking the figure’s face and shoulders. The fabric tore under her grip, and her frantic swipes dug into the translucent material. She was acting on pure instinct now, desperate to defend herself—and Jon.

Jon’s eyes widened in shock. “Audrey, what are you—?”

But Audrey wasn’t listening. She kept swiping at the “ghost,” more out of fear than any rational thought. The eerie figure staggered backward from the force of her claws, its mask slipping slightly.

Then, with one final swipe, the ghost stumbled back and the mask—now thoroughly yanked off—fell away.

Audrey froze. The ghostly figure collapsed into a heap of fabric and rigging, revealing the very unghostly face of Luca underneath.

“Luca?!” Audrey gasped, her breath catching in her throat.

Luca looked sheepish, but grinned his hands raised in a defeated gesture. “Uh… surprise?”

Audrey blinked, still clutching the shredded fabric in her hands, her mind scrambling to process what had just happened. She stared at Luca, her heart pounding in her chest. She had just attacked him. Her nails had literally raked at his face.

“What… what is this?!” she demanded, her voice still shaky from the adrenaline.

Jon stepped forward, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to explain. “I—I’m sorry, Audrey, it was just a prank—”

She whipped around to face him, eyes wide and filled with a mix of confusion and embarrassment. “A prank?! Jon, you set this up? You let me think it was real?!”

Jon’s face was crimson with guilt. “I—I thought it’d be funny... And, well, I wanted to show you how much I cared—”

Audrey’s face softened as she looked at him, realizing the intention behind it. Despite her embarrassment, she couldn’t help but chuckle. “Where I come from, ghosts are real, Jon. You scared me half to death!”

From somewhere down the hall, Theo’s voice echoed back, “Is it gone yet?! Because I’m not coming back in there if it’s still lurking around!”

Audrey collapsed into laughter, clutching her sides. “Oh, poor Theo! He didn’t even stick around to find out!”

Jon laughed, shaking his head. “I knew he hated ghosts, but I didn’t think he’d bolt that fast. I’m actually impressed.”

That night, Theo refused to enter the hallway again. “I told you, I ain’t no ghost buster,” he said flatly when Jon teased him about it.

That night, as Audrey lay in bed, she couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling the “ghost” had left her with. In Fairyland, she knew well that spirits and ghosts were no trivial matter. They were harbingers of omens, often signaling something dark or foreboding. It had been several days since she and Jon had confessed their feelings for each other—an intimate moment that had left her heart full, but now, the appearance of the ghost so soon after that confession seemed like a bad omen.

They were believed to appear at times of change, especially after significant moments in one’s life. And having seen one so soon after they had confessed their love, it felt like a warning. A bad sign. But no, it wasn’t real, Audrey reminded herself. It wasn’t a ghost at all. It was just a prank. A costume. A trick

She shook her head, trying to push the dark thoughts away. It was just a hoax, she told herself firmly. Jon said so, and it’s over now. The rational part of her mind clung to that, hoping the anxiety would fade. It wasn’t a real ghost. It was just a prank.

Stolen story; please report.

But even as she reassured herself, a chill settled in her chest. Still… the timing felt off. She couldn’t help but feel a strange, nagging worry.

Determined to shake off the unease, Audrey decided to take a walk through the villa to clear her mind. The moonlight streamed through the villa windows, casting long shadows along the hallway. She hesitated, then walked past the corridor where the ghost had “appeared.”

Her pace quickened as she neared the spot. The image of the floating figure from earlier still haunted her, and the thought of that strange, ethereal presence made her uneasy. She tried to push the memory aside, but it clung to her like a second skin.

As she walked, her eyes flicked nervously toward the spot where the prank had taken place. The large ornamental mirror now stood quietly in the dim light. Her heart thudded in her chest, and before she realized it, she found herself walking a little faster, almost breaking into a jog.

She glanced back one last time, half expecting to see something strange in the reflection, her mind playing tricks on her. But the mirror remained empty, silent.

Audrey exhaled a relieved breath and tried to steady her pulse. See? You’re fine. No ghost, she told herself. But as she walked away, a lingering sense of discomfort refused to leave her, her footsteps quickening once more as she passed the mirror.

After a minute of walking, Audrey stood outside Jon’s room, her nerves still frayed from the prank. The hallway was quiet, save for the soft hum of the villa’s ambient noise—crickets chirping in the distance and the faint rustling of leaves outside. She took a deep breath, her knuckles hovering over the door, unsure for a moment whether or not to knock.

After a moment’s pause, she gave a quick, tentative knock. Three light raps on the wooden door.

“Jon?” Audrey called softly, her voice wavering slightly. She glanced over her shoulder as if expecting the prankster ghost to pop up behind her. When nothing happened, she exhaled in relief and looked back at the door.

It wasn’t long before she heard his voice from within. “Audrey?” Jon called out, opening the door a moment later.

Audrey looked up, forcing a weak smile as she met his gaze. "Sorry to wake you," she said, her voice sounding a little more uncertain than she intended. "I couldn’t really sleep, I guess.”

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her tone becoming more earnest. "Jon, would you want to go for a walk? I know it's late, but I think I need some air, and I kinda don’t want to go out alone.”

Jon studied her for a moment, concern flickering across his face, but he nodded without hesitation. "Of course. A walk sounds good. I could use some fresh air myself. Let me grab a jacket."

Jon returned a moment later, pulling on his jacket with a small, reassuring smile. "Alright, let's go. I’ve got you covered. No ghosts around here, I promise."

Audrey managed a small laugh at that, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Still, with Jon by her side, she felt a little braver than she had just moments before.

"There better not be," she said quietly as they walked toward the door, smiling softly.

As they stepped out into the crisp night, Audrey held her breath as if gathering courage. When they reached the edge of the villa’s garden, she suddenly turned to him, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes.

“Thanks for coming out here with me, Jon,” she said, stepping closer. “But there’s something else I wanted to do tonight.”

Before Jon could ask what, she pressed her hand lightly against his chest. A familiar shimmer of golden light engulfed him, and he felt the strange, weightless sensation of shrinking again.

“Wait—Audrey! What are you doing?” Jon squeaked as the world expanded around him. Within seconds, he was perched in the palm of her hand, looking up at her enormous grin.

“Making up for that terrible prank earlier,” she said brightly. Before he could protest, she hugged him close, spinning on her heel and breaking into a run. “You’re going to love this!”

She carried him through the villa gates and into the quiet streets of the Peruvian town below. The buildings loomed like mountains, their colorful facades illuminated by the warm glow of streetlights. Above them, the stars glittered in the clear night sky.

“Okay, it’s happening again—and I can’t see anything! This is insane!” Jon’s tiny voice trembled with a mix of fear and exhilaration from within Audrey’s cradled hand. “This has to be a dream. How do I wake up?” He thought outloud.

Audrey giggled and stopped near a cluster of plants by the roadside. “Oh, come on, Jon. Stop overthinking. Here, let me help.” With a gentle motion, she placed him on a broad leaf.

Jon slid down the waxy surface, tumbling to the ground with a startled yelp. As he dusted himself off, Audrey crouched beside him, her giant grin framed by the glowing streetlights.

“See? Fun, right?” she teased.

“Fun?! I just slid down a plant like a theme park ride!” Jon shot back, though he couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity. “This is a dream.”

Audrey sat cross-legged, her chin resting on her hands as she watched him. “Have you ever wanted to fly?” she asked suddenly, her voice softer now.

Jon blinked up at her. “Fly? Uh, no. Not really. Why?”

“Because now you can—with me,” she said, her grin widening. Before Jon could argue, she scooped him up, cradling him gently as she ran toward the outskirts of town.

They stopped at a hill overlooking the city. Audrey held him close as they gazed down at the maze of streets glowing like a field of stars. Jon couldn’t deny it was beautiful.

“Okay,” he admitted, his voice quieter now. “This is pretty weird, but fun dream.”

Audrey hugged him closer and, without warning, took off again. This time, her steps quickened until coming away from the ground, flying as she reached the coastline. Jon’s protests turned into an involuntary laugh as she flew along the shore, her feet dipping lightly into the surf.

“Hold on tight,” Audrey said, her voice light with excitement. She leaned forward, and with Jon held securely in her hand, she skimmed her fingers through the water. The moonlight reflected off the waves as flying fish, twice the size of Jon, leapt into the air around them.

Jon let out a startled scream as one fish, soared close before dipping past them and into the ocean. “Audrey, this is insane!”

She laughed, her voice ringing like bells. “Isn’t it incredible? Just imagine—this is what the world feels like for someone your size!”

Eventually, she slowed, her breathing steady as she carried him back to the villa and eventually, his room. She gently placed him down on his bed, brushing a finger against his shoulder like a playful tap.

“Next time, I’ll take you somewhere even better,” she promised with a wink.

Jon stared at her, his tiny chest heaving as he tried to process everything. “Audrey, I... we’ll talk about this tomorrow,” he mumbled, flopping back onto his pillow.

The next morning, Jon sat up groggily, the memories of the night swirling in his mind. “Audrey, I had the craziest dream that you shrank me again,” he said over breakfast.

Audrey smirked, sipping her coffee. “Oh, it wasn’t a dream,” she said simply. “Next time, it’ll be even more fun.”

Jon chuckled, smiling at what he perceived to be a joke, before pausing and staring at her, realizing she’s serious. “Wha—“

Later that afternoon as they lounged in the living room of their villa, Audrey glanced up from her cup of tea, stirring it slowly. “So, what’s the plan for today?” she asked casually, smiling as she glanced at Jon.

“The Rainbow Mountains.” Jon replied, having already had a plan organized for the day.

Audrey tilted her head, intrigued. “The Rainbow Mountains?”

“Yeah,” Jon replied, glancing through his phone. “It’s one of the most beautiful places in Peru. I read about it before we came here. Vibrant colors, breathtaking views... it sounds like the type of thing you’d love.”

Audrey considered it for a moment, then nodded with a grin. “Alright, Jon. You’ve sold me. Let’s do it.”

The trek to the Rainbow Mountains was a journey in itself. The trail wove through dramatic landscapes, with vibrant colors beginning to peek out in the distance. Jon and Audrey walked side by side, the high altitude making their pace slower but giving them plenty of time to talk.

“I have to admit,” Audrey said, glancing over at him, “this is a good idea. I needed something like this after last night.”

Jon chuckled. “See? I can come up with great ideas too. Not everything has to be magical or out of this world.”

Audrey smirked, nudging him playfully. “Careful, or I might shrink you again just to prove a point.”

Jon laughed. “No shrinking! Let me enjoy this one at full size, alright?”

As they continued the climb, Jon found himself wanting to know more about her. “So,” he said, “tell me more about your world. You’ve mentioned bits and pieces, but I feel like I’m only scratching the surface.”

Audrey hesitated for a moment, her expression softening. “It’s... a lot to explain. My family—well, let’s just say they’re not exactly used to outsiders. Where I come from, everything is tied to tradition. My birthday, for example, was supposed to be a big deal—a rite of passage. I was supposed to find a suitable mate that night.”

Jon stopped in his tracks, looking at her with wide eyes. “Wait, are you serious? Like, a fairy tale-style arranged marriage kind of thing?”

Audrey laughed softly. “Not exactly. It’s more about choosing someone who fits our way of life. Someone who can handle the power, the responsibilities... all of it.”

“And instead, you found me,” Jon said, his voice tinged with awe.

Audrey met his gaze, a small smile playing on her lips. “Incidentally.” She pointed out, “But yes. And now I just have to convince everyone back home that you’re worth the trouble.”

Jon grinned. “Oh, I’m definitely worth it. I mean, have you met me? All I’ve gotta do is pull out the charms.”

Audrey rolled her eyes but laughed. “We’ll see about that.”

They reached the summit at last, the vivid Rainbow Mountains stretching out before them in a kaleidoscope of colors. The sight was breathtaking, the landscape looking like it had been painted by an artist with an endless palette.

“Wow,” Jon murmured, taking in the view.

Audrey stood beside him, her expression soft. “It’s beautiful,” she said quietly.

Jon turned to her with a smile. “I knew you’d love it.”

They lingered for a while, the silence between them comfortable as they took in the stunning scene. Eventually, Jon broke the quiet. “You know,” he said, “this has been an amazing trip so far. But after seeing this, I think I know where we should go next.”

Audrey arched an eyebrow. “Oh? Where’s that?”

Jon’s smile widened. “The Amazon River. Think about it—wildlife, lush greenery, pink river dolphins. It’ll be like stepping into another world.”

Audrey’s eyes lit up. “Jon, that sounds incredible. I’d love to see it.”

“Then it’s settled,” Jon said, his tone triumphant. “Tomorrow, we’re heading to the Amazon. But today, let’s just enjoy this view a little longer.”

Audrey nodded, slipping her hand into his as they stood together, the Rainbow Mountains shining brilliantly before them.