Ella sat on the edge of her bed, her thoughts racing. The encounter with Morgana earlier had left her unsettled. The woman spoke in riddles, her words carrying a weight Ella couldn’t ignore. And Valen—he hadn’t said a word. He's avoiding her questions, hiding behind a wall she couldn’t break.

“What is he keeping from me?” she muttered under her breath.

After pacing for what felt like an eternity, she decided she couldn’t let this go. If Valen wouldn’t talk, maybe Scottie, his sister, could. Scottie had always been friendly, even warm. Surely, she’d help.

Ella found Scottie in the garden, pruning the roses with care. The younger woman’s vibrant...