Kaira stood outside the small cottage, gently watering the flowers lined beneath the window.
The soft morning light rested on her skin. Birds chirped from the trees, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of earth and blooming petals.
She hummed softly to herself, the same tune she had sung for years…one Adeline had grown up hearing.
Her movements were slow and careful, almost as though she was trying to fill the silence with something gentle… something comforting.
But Ariel had moved in with her, refusing to let her stay alone. The girl had been nothing but helpful, always finding something to do, always trying to bring a little life back into the quiet cottage. Still… it was not the same.
Kaira's hand paused mid-air as the water spilled slowly onto the soil.
Her thoughts drifted back to the palace. To Adeline.
To the strange fate that had taken her daughter away.
She could not help but wonder how they intended to choose one maiden out of all those girls.
