The gardens had always been a place of solace for Eirik. But tonight, as he and Kaelix walked along the cobblestone path under the dim glow of lanterns, Eirik sensed something was off.
He glanced at Kaelix, whose expression was calm, yet reserved. Eirik couldn't quite shake the feeling that they weren't alone. His eyes darted around the lush, meticulously trimmed hedges and towering trees. The air was thick with the scent of blooming jasmine, but something about the stillness of the night felt unnerving.
"They've been too quiet lately," Eirik muttered under his breath, casting a glance over his shoulder. "It's not like them."
Kaelix nodded, though he remained silent. Ever since the confrontation in his chambers, where Eirik's siblings had cornered him with accusations and overbearing concern, the tension between them and Eirik had only grown.
