|| Lilac’s POV ||

The air was thick with the cloying scent of roses and champagne, the garden now transformed into a grotesque parody of celebration. Everywhere I turned, someone was raising a glass—to Ezra, to Elias, to me—their smiles too wide, their congratulations too loud.

"Such a perfect match!"

"The Goddess truly blessed you both!"

I wanted to scream.

Instead, I forced a smile so brittle I feared my cheeks would crack, accepting their hollow words ...