After a few moments, Galen and Ciara are now at Maxwell University's Botanical Garden, where they can talk privately.
The sun dappled through the canopy of ancient oaks, casting dancing shadows on the brick path winding through Maxwell University's Botanical Garden. Galen, his heart a knot of worry, followed the path, his eyes searching for Ciara. He'd found her sitting on a bench near the rose garden, her head bowed, a single white rose clutched in her hand.
He sat beside her, the silence stretching between them, thick with unspoken words. The gentle fragrance of roses mingled with the earthy scent of the garden, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside him.
"Ciara," he began, his voice soft, "I've been trying to reach you. Why haven't you been answering my calls?"
Ciara looked up
