Chapter 116

• Ethan walked through the garden, his footsteps echoing off the meticulously manicured hedges, the sound resonating through the crisp morning air. The sun's glow over the vibrant flowers was radiant, and their petals swaying gently in the breeze, but Ethan's mood was far from radiant. His brow furrowed, his eyes scanning the lush greenery, searching for any sign of Elara.
• He approached a group of workers, their faces bent in concentration as they tended to the gardens, their hands moving with precision and care. The scent of freshly cut grass wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet fragrance of blooming roses.
• "Excuse me," Ethan said, his voice firm but polite, his words interrupting the workers' focused labor. "Have any of you seen Elara this morning?"