|| Lilac’s POV ||

The scent of pine and aged parchment filled the spacious bedroom as I unpacked my belongings into the dark oak wardrobe. Alaric’s packhouse was nothing like home— the walls were thicker, everything was close to nature and the silence was heavier. Every movement echoed, reminding me just how far I was from the familiar comforts of my family’s estate.

My fingers lingered on the sleeve of a silk blouse, the fabric smooth against my skin. Father agreed to ...