LILAC

It was the beginning of my second year in Lupin, a fresh start amidst the chaos that had unfolded. And tomorrow—my husband’s coronation as the King of Lycania. It was surreal, thinking of how much had changed in the past year. As we drove in, I stared out the car window, taking in the familiar sights. Lupin looked the same, with its towering buildings and sprawling landscapes that had become a part of me, a constant amid the upheaval.

But today, it wasn’t just about Lupin—it ...