_Aria’s POV_
On the way back, Lucien spoke as if nothing strange had happened.
We walked side by side along the narrow forest path. The horse followed behind us calmly now as if it had never lost control. The trees slowly thinned. Light returned. Birds chirped softly above us. Everything looked peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Lucien held the reins loosely in one hand. His other hand rested in his pocket. He looked relaxed. As if he had not just appeared out of nowhere and found me deep inside the forest.
“As I was saying,” he continued casually, “all the arrangements are done.”
I blinked.
“Arrangements?” I asked.
He glanced at me and smiled. “For the engagement party.”
My steps faltered.
“The engagement party?” I repeated.
“Yes,” he said smoothly. “It will be held tomorrow.”
Tomorrow.
