***
The courtyard was quiet under the pale glow of the moon, the faint rustling of leaves the only sound breaking the stillness. Acacia leaned against the edge of the fountain, her arms crossed as she replayed the events of the past few days. Ivy’s behavior had grown stranger, her absences unexplained and her excuses paper-thin.
When Ivy appeared, slipping out of the main hall with hurried steps, Acacia straightened. She stepped into Ivy’s path, her voice sharp and low. “Ivy.”
Ivy froze, her hand tightening around the small pouch she carried. “Acacia,” she said, her tone wary.
“We need to talk,” Acacia said firmly, her eyes narrowing.
“I’m busy,” Ivy replied, attempting to sidestep her.
Acacia moved to block her, her frustration bubbling to the surface. “No, you’re not. You’ve been s
