The massive iron doors creaked open with a sound that echoed across the clearing, revealing the inner sanctum of the Grave Garden. Gasps rippled through the crowd as the teenagers and onlookers glimpsed the sight within—a lush, verdant space that seemed too perfect, too otherworldly to exist in this broken world. Rows of thornless rose flowers bloomed in an array of vibrant colors, their petals glowing faintly under the sunlight, as though illuminated from within. The air was heavy with a sweet, intoxicating scent that made some teenagers step forward, entranced.
Kaden stood at the back of the group, his expression unmoved. While others marveled at the ethereal beauty of the garden, his jaw tightened. Just as I remembered it, he thought bitterly, his fists clenching at his sides. There was no awe in his eyes—only disgust.
He detested those flowers.
