Perfectly preserved.
Like time had been careful not to disturb it.
The fountain still flowed gently.
The stone pathways still curved through the garden like memory lines.
And then she felt it.
A scent.
Soft.
Familiar.
Her steps slowed.
Hyacinths.
Her breath caught before she even saw them.
A pot of hyacinths sat near the edge of the garden, blooming quietly under the fading light.
She moved toward it instinctively.
Her fingers lifted.
Just slightly.
Barely touching distance.
“Don’t touch it if you’re not planning to come back.”
The voice stopped her instantly.
Raina froze.
Not fear.
Recognition.
Slowly, she turned her head.
He stood behind her now.
Tall.
Sharp-eyed.
Expression carved from restraint and bitterness held together too long.
Xavier.
“Still stubborn,”
