Prologue

"Their gazes locked, the intensity of the moment almost tangible as Evelyn finally found herself standing before Ariella, their breaths mingling in the space between them. With a trembling hand, she reached out, her fingertips grazing Ariella's cheek with a feather-light touch. It was a gesture laden with unspoken emotion, a silent plea for understanding, for connection.

Ariella's breath caught in her throat as she felt the warmth of Evelyn's touch, her heart pounding in her chest as she searched the queen's eyes for answers. There was a raw vulnerability in Evelyn's gaze, a glimpse of something deeper, something she couldn't quite name but longed to explore."