The gentle breeze whispers through the ornamental garden, carrying the scent of rich earth and blooming flowers. Illari breathes deep, filling her lungs with the familiar, earthy aroma. Chu￱o nuzzles against her cheek. A trill of childish giggles escapes her lips. Her eyes flutter open, the vision fading. A bittersweet ache throbs in her chest. The sounds of footsteps snap her back to the present. Illari stiffens instinctively, hand drifting toward her dagger. Only when she recognizes the figure does she relax. “You shouldn’t sneak up on me like that,” she chides, raising an eyebrow. “Some of us have very good reflexes.”