The first day in her new role was a whirlwind. Meetings, catch-ups, and walk-bys from every corner of the office. By the time the clock hit three, Ariel had run out of tasks. Act 2 was officially finalized, Act 3’s first steps were already planned, and not a single bug needed squashing. She leaned back in her chair, stretching, letting herself just be for a moment in her new space.

  The quiet gave her room for a thought that had been gently circling her mind for weeks: the ring.

  She opened a browser window and started searching: "Seattle jewelers," "unique engagement rings," "custom rings downtown." The next hour passed in a blur of white gold, classic solitaires, vintage settings, and dainty filigrees. She admired each ring, tilting her head, trying to imagine them on Holly’s hand. Nothing quite matched the spark she saw when she closed her eyes and thought of Holly.

  Frustrated but determined, Ariel scrolled further until she found a site for a local jeweler specializing in custom designs. Their portfolio was full of rings with unexpected stones, curved bands, and delicate engravings. Perfect, she thought.

  She tugged a sheet of notepaper from her desk and set to work, sketching out what she saw in her mind:

  A slender, elegant band, platinum or white gold, smooth and timeless, but with a soft, organic curve so it never feels too harsh or stark.

  At the center: a single, oval-cut violet gemstone, deep and clear, matching Holly’s striking violet eye. Not too large or flashy, but full of color and presence.

  On either side of the stone: two tiny diamonds, set low, just enough to catch the light but not distract from the violet centerpiece.

  Under the stone, in the gallery: a subtle swirl of filigree or an abstract floral motif. Something only Holly would see when she took the ring off. A secret, whimsical detail.

  Inside the band: the words engraved in a gentle script: Always your girl.

  Ariel shaded in the gem, adding just a hint of shine, then sat back and smiled at the design. It was elegant, but unique. Understated, but with just enough pop to be unmistakably Holly. She slipped the sketch into her bag, heart pounding with a secret joy.

  The rest of the workday drifted by in a haze. Answering a handful of Slack messages, writing a short note to QA, and double-checking her calendar for the week. But at five o’clock sharp, she powered down her laptop, packed her things, and hurried out the door, her nerves buzzing.

  Outside, the city lights glimmered in the growing dusk. Ariel hailed a cab, gave the driver the jeweler’s address, and settled into the back seat. Her fingers traced the outline of the sketch in her bag, mind racing with hope and excitement for what came next.

  Ariel paid the cab driver and stepped out onto the brick sidewalk, her bag pressed tight to her side. The street was lined with little shops already glowing in the early dusk, but Evergreen Fine Jewelry stood out. Warm lights shone through the windows, gold lettering curling across the glass.

  She paused at the door, steadying herself, then pushed inside. The air was softly scented with wood polish and something floral. Gleaming cases lined the walls, full of rings and necklaces that sparkled in the lamplight, each one carefully arranged on velvet.

  Behind the counter stood a man with salt-and-pepper hair and a gentle smile, polishing a display. He looked up as she entered, setting the cloth aside.

  "Welcome," he said, his voice warm, the faintest hint of a French accent in his greeting. "Can I help you find something special today?"

  Ariel smiled, nerves fluttering in her chest. "I... hope so. I’m looking to design a custom engagement ring. For my girlfriend."

  The man beamed. "A very good reason to visit. My name’s Marcel. You’ve come to the right place, I think. Would you like to sit?" He gestured to a small consultation table beside the window.

  Ariel nodded, her hands shaking a little as she settled into the chair. She set her bag on her lap, drawing out her sketch.

  "I’ve been looking everywhere, but nothing felt quite right. So I drew something up." She offered the paper, blushing. "It’s just a rough idea."

  Marcel took the sketch with care, holding it delicately by the corners. His eyes moved over the lines, the gentle curve of the band, the central violet gem, the tiny diamonds, and the engraved words within. He smiled, looking up at her with understanding.

  "This is beautiful. And so personal." He tapped the stone. "Violet. Unusual and striking. Is it her favorite color?"

  Ariel grinned, a little more confident now. "It matches one of her eyes. She has heterochromia. One hazel, one violet. I want the ring to feel like her. Subtle, but unforgettable."

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  Marcel nodded. "I can see that. And the engraving... ‘Always your girl.’" He looked at Ariel, eyes kind. "That will mean a great deal to her."

  Ariel’s heart fluttered at his words, her nerves easing into hope. "I want it to feel like a secret. Like something she’ll never see anywhere else."

  Marcel turned the sketch slightly, considering. "I think we can make this exactly as you’ve drawn. We’ll find a stone with just the right color. Amethyst, maybe, or a violet sapphire. Something with life in it." He pointed out the filigree detail on the underside. "Would you like it floral? Or perhaps a swirl, like wind or water?"

  Ariel thought for a moment, her mind going to Holly’s long hair, the swirl of her laugh, the way she moved. "Something whimsical. Maybe a swirl, almost like a curl of wind, or a wisp. It fits her."

  Marcel smiled, taking notes in a tidy script. "Of course. And the band? Platinum, as you sketched?"

  "Yes. Something sturdy, but light."

  He nodded. "Wonderful." Marcel slipped the sketch into a folder and produced a tray of stones, each one shining in a different shade of violet under the shop’s soft lights. "Take your time. We’ll find the right one together."

  Ariel looked down at the tray, her breath catching as the gems shimmered beneath the lights. She didn’t reach for anything right away. Instead, she studied each stone as if it held a secret. Amethysts with dusky warmth, spinels with icy clarity, sapphires in every shade of twilight. But she wasn’t just looking for something beautiful. She was looking for Holly.

  One stone reminded her of the way Holly’s eye caught the light in the morning. Another felt too bold, too loud. She hovered over one, then another, her fingers trembling. And then...she found it. A violet sapphire, deep and luminous, with a flash of pink at its heart, like a secret laugh or a soft kiss in a quiet room. Ariel stared at it, tears pricking her eyes.

  She looked up at Marcel and whispered, "This one."

  Marcel’s smile was proud, almost paternal. "A beautiful choice. I’ll have a wax model ready for you to see in about a week - Maybe sooner - and we’ll finalize the engraving and details then. Is this a surprise?"

  Ariel nodded, clutching her bag to her chest. "She has no idea. I want it to be perfect."

  Marcel folded the design away, promising to guard it as carefully as any treasure. "It will be perfect. And when she says yes, you must come back and show me."

  Ariel grinned, her eyes stinging with happy tears. "Deal."

  She left the shop a little while later, the promise of the ring burning bright in her chest, her steps light as she disappeared into the Seattle night, ready for everything that came next.

  The city was already wrapped in winter twilight as Ariel made her way down the block. The little café’s sign glowed golden above the windows, casting light onto the sidewalk. She could see Jordan inside, rolling silverware and humming quietly to himself, the closing shift lull in full effect.

  Ariel pushed open the door, the bell ringing bright. Jordan looked up, his face breaking into a knowing smile.

  "Well, if it isn’t the Director herself," he teased, tucking a towel into his apron. "What brings you by so late, boss?"

  Ariel closed the door behind her, pausing for a moment just inside, hands clutching her bag. She was practically vibrating with energy, enough that Jordan set down the mug he was polishing and raised an eyebrow, a small grin forming.

  "You look like you just won the lottery," he said, leaning on the counter. "Alright, what’s up? You’re practically buzzing."

  Ariel stepped up to the counter, barely able to keep still. "I... okay. I need your help with something. And it’s big. Like, life-altering big."

  Jordan’s grin widened, curiosity piqued. "You know I love a secret. Hit me."

  Ariel took a breath, looking around as if to make sure no one was listening, even though they were alone. "In a few weeks, we’re dropping the new trailer for Wispwood Haven. There’s a reveal in it. Something really special that I worked hard to get into the game. I can’t say what it is, not even to you, but it’s a surprise for Holly. Like, a big one."

  Jordan’s eyes widened, understanding beginning to dawn. "A surprise for Holly...?"

  Ariel’s face turned pink, and she had to pause, gathering herself before blurting, "I want you to make sure the live stream of the trailer reveal is up on the café TV that day. Holly’s either going to be working or I’ll get her here with me. We’re going to watch it together. And then, right after it plays..." Her voice dropped to a whisper, trembling with happy nerves, "...I’m going to propose to her."

  For a moment, Jordan just stared, mouth falling open, eyes shining with delight. Then, grinning like he’d been let in on the best secret in the world, he let out a low whistle.

  "Holy shit, Ariel. You’re not messing around." He shook his head, laughing softly, then reached across the counter and squeezed her hand. "That’s... that’s incredible. You’ve been planning this long?"

  Ariel nodded, unable to contain her excitement. "Weeks. Months, really. I wanted it to be perfect. I designed the ring and everything." She tapped her bag, voice thick with emotion. "I just left the jeweler’s. I think it’s actually happening, Jordan."

  He squeezed her hand tighter, voice softening. "I’ve never seen you this happy, you know? And I’ve seen a lot. Like the time you accidentally over-caffeinated and started singing musical numbers."

  Ariel giggled, wiping at her eyes. "Don’t remind me."

  He smiled gently. "You’re doing something amazing, Red. Holly’s going to lose her mind."

  Ariel grinned, suddenly bashful. "Promise me you’ll keep it a secret? I want it to be her moment. No hints. No slip-ups."

  Jordan made an exaggerated zipping motion across his lips. "You have my word. I’ll get the TV set up. I’ll even bring popcorn."

  Ariel let out a long breath, some of the tension finally leaving her shoulders. "Thank you, Jordan. Seriously. I couldn’t do this without you."

  "Hey." He leaned forward, sincerity in his voice. "She’s going to say yes. She practically already has. I've known Holly my whole life and I've never seen her this in love with anyone."

  They stood there for a moment, letting the secret fill the space with warmth. Ariel felt lighter than she had all day, like everything was in place and the universe was gently rooting for her.

  Finally, Ariel glanced at the clock and chuckled. "I should get home before Holly gets suspicious. If I’m late, she’ll release the hounds."

  Jordan winked. "Go. I’ll hold down the fort and keep my lips sealed. Good luck, Ariel."

  Ariel offered a grateful smile, then slipped out into the night, her heart full, every step carrying her closer to the moment her life would change forever.