Chapter 121

Viona's POV

The lanterns glowed soft and golden across the garden terrace where Nicolas had arranged the date. The air was cool, scented faintly with jasmine and roses. It should have been beautiful. It should have felt intimate, peaceful, even romantic.

But to me, it was nothing but a haze.

I sat at the table he had set so carefully-wine poured, dishes prepared, the moon above us like a silent witness-and I could barely breathe. The images from earlier clung to me like poison. ...