Megan POV

The palace gardens shimmered under the moonlight, a tranquil oasis that had always been a source of solace. Yet tonight, as the soft breeze rustled the leaves, a heavy unease weighed upon my heart. Emily and I had noticed the whispers, the exchanged glances between elders that spoke of something sinister lurking beneath the surface.

"Emily," I murmured, my voice barely more than a whisper, "something is not right."

My sister, her brow furrowed in thought, nodded in agreement. "I have noticed it too, Megan. It is as if there is a shadow that has fallen over the palace."

We moved in the shadows, inching closer to the...