CLARA’S POVThe stone path beneath my boots softened into moss as we left the noise behind.I could still feel it in the air, that leftover tension, but it was slipping away the further we walked.Rowan didn’t let go of my hand.His fingers stayed locked with mine like he was afraid I might disappear if he loosened his grip for even a second. He led me up a winding trail, past tall trees until finally, we reached a hidden plateau… and there it was.The conservatory.Glass and iron, shining softly under the light, like something delicate but impossible to break. Inside, it was alive… overflowing with plants, vines, flowers everywhere, as if the whole place was breathing.My breath caught.Rowan pushed the doors open, and the air that rushed out smelled like earth and rain.“My great-grandmother built this,” he said, his voice soft, almost distant, like he was stepping into a memory. I stepped inside slowly, my fingers still wrapped in his.“It’s… beautiful,” I whispered, my voice small
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