ELLIOT

I followed Katherine’s trail, a creeping fear settling in as I realized she was heading deeper into the forest.

A thousand conspiracies ran through my mind. Had someone captured her? Taken her away by force?

But there were no other scents. Still, I didn’t trust it.

I was so anxious I imagined every possible scenario—except the one I actually found.

Shielded by the darkness, I reached the outskirts of the commoners’ celebration.

Lively music filled the air, nothing like the refined melodies played in the ballroom.

Voices and laughter flooded the night, but among them, I heard one that was too sweet for my ears.

Her scent, that lavender filled with joy, engulfed me.

I searched for her among the circle of dancing people—then I saw her.

She moved while holding up her skirt, lifting it to an indecent height as she jumped from side to side, following the other women.

Her eyes sparkled under the torchlight.

For a second, I was hypnotized, drunk on the sight of this woman.

I had never