He walked past the guard and descended the stone steps into the garden.
The space that opened before him was large and carefully maintained. At this hour, the shapes of the hedges and flowers were reduced to dark outlines, but the mana lamps placed at intervals helped push back the darkness. They emitted a soft, warm light with a faint bluish tint, and wherever it fell, it made the area look more dreamy and ethereal.
Julian walked slowly.
The air was cold and fresh, carrying with it the scent of earth and night-blooming flowers. They swayed gently in the moonlight, moving with the breeze in a soft, almost hypnotic rhythm. The whole place felt calm and quiet, wrapped in a peaceful stillness.
He took a slow breath, letting the cool night air fill his lungs. As he exhaled, some of the tension he had been carrying all evening began to ease.
Ahead, the stone path curved and opened into a wider clearing. A stone fountain stood at its center.
