In the small garden of Elysia Palace, sunlight peeked through the trees, gently shining on Viana, who sat quietly on a bench. Her face was still pale, and the scratches on her arms and legs had just begun to heal.
Still, she had started smiling again, especially when Sina, ever talkative, began telling stories about Cooper's funny antics during the festival.
Joel and Reyes stayed close to her side. So did Prince Rayne, who sat beside her, gently holding her hand from time to time or making sure her tea stayed warm.
He was sweet and attentive. Viana often caught him glancing at her, checking if she was doing okay.
She noticed the extra care he gave her, and also the jealousy in Joel and Reyes' eyes. But she pretended not to see it. She let Rayne take care of her, let herself feel his warmth, hoping it would help push away the image of Lazarus—the face that haunted her from a life before.