Chapter 76

• Lilah's POV
• The scent of fresh flowers mingled with the earthy scent of the evening air as Bennett and I walked side by side through the royal garden. The soft crunch of gravel beneath our feet was the only sound in the serene stillness of the evening.
• Bennett’s presence beside me, however, was enough to make everything else fade away. He didn’t need to say anything for me to feel at peace. His steady gaze was always on me, a warmth radiating from his presence, making me feel like I was the only thing that mattered. Tonight, though, was different. The weight of the night’s upcoming ceremony hung heavy in the air, and as much as I tried to push the thoughts away, they lingered in the back of my mind.