The Garden of Lost Hopes (96)

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She stepped closer to the wall, brushing aside the wildflowers clinging to the ancient stone. A narrow gap revealed itself—barely wide enough to pass through, easily missed by anyone who didn't know it was there. Starfania slipped in first, turning sideways as the rough stone scraped lightly against her sleeves.

Atlas followed close behind, careful and silent, his presence a steady reassurance at her back. Aeron and Violet squeezed through last, the thrill of secrecy buzzing beneath their nerves. The moment they emerged on the other side, the atmosphere changed. The garden breathed. Vibrant color spilled across the forgotten space, wild and untamed, as though nature itself had claimed sanctuary here. Sunlight filtered gently through broken arches and twisted branches, illuminating overgrown paths and stone statues half-swallowed by ivy and moss. Time had not destroyed this place—it had protected it. Starfania stopped, her breath catching.

" It's

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" It's...more alive than I remembered," she whispered, reverence softening her voice.

Violet knelt beside a cluster of blooming flowers, their colors rich and their scent sweet. She inhaled slowly, eyes widening.

" It's beautiful," she said, glancing up at Starfania with quiet awe. Starfania rested her hand on Atlas's head, her fingers brushing over his smooth scales as she met his gaze.

" This is your home now," she whispered. Atlas answered with a low, content rumble, gently nudging her palm as if sealing the promise. They moved deeper into the garden, their steps crunching softly through overgrown foliage. Wildflowers burst through cracks in the stone, ivy braided itself around pillars and walls, and the air carried the weight of history woven with life. Atlas lingered slightly behind, eyes curious, absorbing every detail.

Then Starfania stopped. Half-hidden beneath cascading ivy sat an old stone bench. Her family crest was carved into its surface. The world tilted. Her breath caught sharply as a shockwave of emotion tore through her. Starfania froze, chest tight, vision blurring as memories surged forward without mercy. Her mother's laughter echoed in her ears—warm, bright. She could see her kneeling in the soil, hands gentle yet strong as she planted flowers with care. Sunny afternoons flooded back, filled with shared smiles, whispered secrets, and quiet joy. She squeezed her eyes shut, but the memories clung to her like shadows. The scent of fresh earth filled her lungs. She could almost feel her mother's arms around her, the way they had always made everything feel safe.

 She could almost feel her mother's arms around her, the way they had always made everything feel safe

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