Aeliana's breath stilled.
Her gaze flickered toward the window beside them, and in the dim reflection, she saw it.
A hairpin.
Not just any hairpin—that hairpin.
Delicate gold, shaped into a blooming flower, with each petal intricately crafted, radiating outward in a regal, elegant design. At the very center, a deep red gemstone gleamed, striking against the soft golden metal. Tiny, dangling embellishments cascaded gently from one side, swaying slightly with her movements—giving the piece an ethereal, almost otherworldly grace.
She knew this hairpin.
Because she had seen it earlier.
When they had wandered through the marketplace after forcing Lucavion into proper clothing, she had noticed it—on display at one of the vendors' stalls. ((N1))
And for just a moment, it had reminded her of her mother.
She had buried that thought quickly, brushed it aside.
She hadn't brought any money with her at the time, so she told herself she would buy it later.
But now—
