章節 229: The end

The soft hum of the evening breeze followed us as we walked, the stars already shimmering like tiny beacons in the vast, dark sky. I kept my hand firmly around Riley's, her fingers intertwined with mine, as if grounding me from the storm of nerves coursing through my veins.

She glanced at me, her brow arched. "You've been acting suspiciously all day. Are you sure you're not leading me to some kind of ambush?"

I laughed nervously, though it came out a little strained. "Hardly. Though, with you, I doubt I'd need backup."

Riley smirked, but the warmth in her eyes belied her teasing. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Seraphine."

"Good," I murmured, though my voice caught slightly. I hoped she didn't notice.

We finally arrived at the secluded glade I had prepared. The clearing was bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, courtesy of enchanted lanterns I had strung around the ancient trees.