Instead, I was greeted by the dazzling glow of a crystal chandelier, so brilliant it made my head spin. The room was warm and filled with the hum of celebration—the clinking of glasses and lively chatter.
Outside the window, neon lights flickered. The city bustled with life, and endless streams of cars moved through the night.
I stood on a hotel balcony, gazing down at the city that never slept.
A servant’s quiet voice pulled me back. “Your Highness, are you having one of your headaches again?”
I looked down at my hands—slender, unscathed, and faintly scented with an expensive perfume.
This was my 18th birthday party—my coming-of-age ceremony.
I… had been reborn.
