|| Lilac's POV ||

The Nightshade archives smelled of old parchment and damp stone, the air thick with the weight of centuries. My fingers trailed along the spines of ancient tomes, each one whispering secrets I wasn’t sure I wanted to uncover. But the unease in my bones wouldn’t let me rest. Not after the black rose. Not after the dreams.

Aurora was safe—for now—asleep in the nursery under the watchful eyes of her guards. But the words of Endora still rang in my ears, ...