That week turned out to be the most peaceful one in Elara's life. With nothing pressing to worry about, she spent her days tending flowers, gardening, and even baking a few cakes.
"Julian, try this," she said with a bright smile, playfully tilting her head as she handed him a slice.
Julian gave a helpless smile. "Ma'am, your baking… is really something."
He looked at the dark, slightly burnt cake in front of him but still took a bite.
"I can cook, but baking isn't really my strong suit," Elara said with a soft laugh. "Back when Lucas was younger, he always said, 'Mom is good at everything… except cake.'"
Mentioning Lucas made her heart sink for a moment. Then she straightened slightly. "Forget it. Are the things packed?"
Tonight, she would be leaving Arclight City. She would first ta
