บท 46: The Goddess Garden

(Azaria 'Ziya' Point of View)

We have spent what feels like hours searching for the boys, our voices echoing through the expansive gardens as we called their names. Worry gnawed at my stomach, each minute stretching longer than the last. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting golden hues across the flowers, making the entire garden seem like it was ablaze with light. Finally, just as the panic began to settle into my bones, Caspian and Dakari appeared from around a bend, their faces flushed and bright with excitement. Relief washed over me like a wave, and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.

"There you are!" I exclaimed, rushing over to them. "Where have you two been?"

Caspian grinned up at me, completely unfazed by our worry. "We were exploring! And guess what, Mommy? We met the King!"