Chapter 107 The Truth Between Heartbeats

• By the time I return from the palace, the sun is already sliding lower in the sky, spilling gold across the place. Jasmine is likely far away by now—surrounded by the king’s most trusted guards, the ones my mother personally handpicked.
• She hadn’t just arranged the escort; she had given Jasmine a velvet pouch so heavy with gold coins it made her arm sag. “No one leaves the royal palace without proof they’ve been here,” my mother had said with that regal smile. “And I’m thanking her for being your friend when you needed one most. May the Moon Goddess guide her to the love she deserves.”
• Jasmine’s eyes had shimmered with gratitude, but she didn’t cry. She simply hugged me once more, whispered a quiet goodbye, and walked away—straight out of the palace and into the carriage—without looking back.