章 70: Arianna/Thea

As I returned to the palace grounds, the cloak of night enveloped everything in an ethereal stillness, and the guards, as always, allowed me inside without a second thought.

With a deep breath, I followed the well-trodden path leading to the towering structure. The night breeze brushed against my skin, bringing a sense of tranquility, and the enchanting view from the palace never failed to captivate me. The mesmerizing lights illuminated the palace, while the magical elements adorning the garden danced in a delicate symphony.

"Thea!" A voice echoed through the night, slicing through the peaceful ambiance. My heart skipped a beat, startled by the unexpected call. I quickly turned, my senses on high alert, to see a guard hurrying toward me.

Momentarily alarmed by the sight of the guard running at such an hour, I relaxed when I recognized Dennis as he came under the light.

"Dennis, you scared me," I confessed, my heartbeat slowly returning to normal.