Just as Joy seemed like she was about to drift off to sleep—her eyes snapped open.
She sat up abruptly, pulling off her sunglasses.
Her heart raced. Her mind worked quickly, piecing something together.
'Everyone's gone.' She thought. 'Cassius's wives, the maids, even my own sisters. They're all at the festival.'
She perked up her ears, listening. In the distance, carried on the wind, she could hear them—laughter, shouts, the faint echo of festival music.
A massive commotion that would probably last until late into the night.
They won't be back anytime soon.
Her gaze drifted toward a certain direction in the garden. A path she'd walked many times before, always stopping at the edge, always turning back.
'That means I can...'
The moment the thought formed, she didn't hesitate.
She drained the rest of her milkshake—it was too delicious to waste—set the glass down, and stood up. Her legs carried her forward with purpose, a destination already fixed in her mind.
