The garden is quiet, the kind of quiet that makes it easy to get lost in thought. Birds chirp somewhere in the distance, and a soft breeze rustles through the leaves, carrying the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers.
Theo lies beside me, silent, his gaze fixed on nothing in particular. It’s strange, having him here in Goldencrest.
Strange that after everything, he actually came looking for me.
It's endearing knowing that he cares in his own way. It took him two months, but at least he did reach out.
Before I can dwell on it too much, a familiar voice cuts through the peace.
“There you are, Lilah!”
A high-pitched squeal follows, and then a body crashes onto the grass beside me.
Cass.
I don’t even have time to react before she’s gripping my arm, her expression dramatic. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere! Do you know how many places I checked before I finally came here? The east wing, the west wing, the training grounds, the kitchens—”