~LAYLA~
I jumped about a foot in the air, clutching my robe tightly around myself.
The room wasn't empty.
Standing around the kitchen island was the Duke, who was in a wheelchair but looked lively, Pennyworth holding a tray of mimosas with his usual dignified posture, Helena practically bouncing with excitement while holding a stack of colorful wrapped presents, Tye wearing a party hat that looked absolutely silly on his serious face, and even Sarah, my assistant from the Eclipse Store, smiling warmly at me.
But it wasn't a party.
There were no balloons floating around. No tacky banners screaming "Happy Birthday" in glitter. Just a beautiful spread of my favourite pastries, fresh flowers arranged in crystal vases, and a small, elegant chocolate cake sitting in the centre of the island with white frosting.
I looked at Axel, my mouth hanging open. "You said no party!"
