Chapter 151

Ashley’s POV

I drove through the night with tears streaming down my face, the blurry lights of the city passing by in a haze. My hands were shaking on the steering wheel, and my thoughts were spinning wildly. 

It wasn’t supposed to feel like this, not now, not when I should be happy, excited even. But all I could feel was this overwhelming dread, like a wave ready to crash down on me.

When I reached the palace, the familiar structure loomed ahead, quiet and imposing against the dark sky. I had no idea what I was doing here so late, but the need to escape had driven me, and this was the only place that felt safe. 

As I pulled up to the entrance, I saw Pandora standing there, waiting, as if she’d known I was coming.

“How did you know?” I whispered, stepping out of the car, still sniffling as I wiped the tears from my eyes.

“Caleb called me,” Pandora said gently, walking toward me. “He said you weren’t okay, and he was worr