Lila’s POV
The sun had long since disappeared, but I hadn’t noticed. I was curled on the daybed, the pages of my book now lost in shadows. Only the soft hush of wind in the trees and the faint whistle of night birds reminded me that time was still passing. I rose slowly, stretching sore limbs and wandering to the edge of the balcony. That’s when I saw it again—liquid gold glowing softly in the heart of the gardens. The goddess fountain. Its surface shimmered like molten starlight, and just like the night of the ball, it called to me. But this time, there was no ache of heartbreak behind the pull. Only quiet, undeniable purpose.
I didn’t hesitate. I climbed over the balcony rail and scaled down the trellis, grateful again that my room was only one floor up. My bare feet hit the grass, sof
