Chapter148: The Ceremony

|| Lilac’s POV || “Thanks for the ride, Elara,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “Anytime,” she replied, her tone gentle. “Call me if you need anything.” I nodded, stepping out of the car and into the cool morning air. The walk to the door felt longer than usual, each step heavier than the last. Dad’s eyes followed me, his gaze piercing as I approached. “Lilac,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind. “We need to talk.” “Okay,” I replied, my voice steady despite the knot of anxiety tightening in my chest. He led me inside, the familiar scent of home wrapping around me like a blanket. The house was quiet, the kind of quiet that felt heavy with unspoken words. We settled in the study, the room filled with the scent of old books and polished wood. My father sat behind his desk, his hands clasped in front of him, while I took a seat across from him, my hands trembling in my lap. “Ezra’s eighteenth birthday is here,” he began, his tone serious. “It’s time.” “Time for what?” I asked,