Lucian didn't answer her question immediately. He only gave a faint smile, one that didn't reach his eyes, and guided her further along the narrow path. The night was quiet, save for the soft crunch of leaves under their boots and the whispering wind threading through the trees. Olivia noticed the air had gotten colder. Denser.
Something about this place felt hidden, and forgotten.
"I'm starting to think this surprise is a trap," she said quietly, half-joking, half-serious.
Lucian didn't respond. His hand gave hers a gentle squeeze instead, as if to say—trust me.
They walked until the trees began to thin out, revealing an open field partially surrounded by jagged rocks. At the center of it, dim torchlight flickered.
Olivia slowed her pace. There, tied to a thick wooden post, was Gauss. Her breath caught in her throat. She felt bolts of anger rushing through her veins, her eyes turned red with fury.
