Belong (GxG)

Chapter 19 A Question

Cassandra wove the deep red roses into the trellises and the centerpiece, ensuring the scent of fresh petals filled the air.

Daniela, surprisingly, managed to set the table without knocking anything over—though she did steal a sip (or three) from the wine bottle before placing it down.

Everything was coming together.

Everything was falling into place.

And Ally?

She was glowing with excitement.

She reached into her pocket, fingers brushing against the cool metal of the ring—her mother's ring, now resized and polished until it shone like starlight.

It was perfect.

Alcina was going to love this.

"Alright," Bela said, stepping back to survey their work. "It's ready."

Ally turned in a slow circle, taking it all in.

The greenhouse, once forgotten, was now alive. The warm candlelight danced over the red roses, the deep scent of wine mixing with fresh earth, the soft glow making the space feel intimate—private, theirs.

Her heart swelled.

"Black God," Cassandra muttered, crossing her arms. "This actually looks romantic."

"Obviously," Daniela huffed. "Ally knows what she's doing."

"Mother is going to melt," Bela murmured, her smirk curling with satisfaction. "She won't show it, of course, but the moment Ally proposes? She'll be absolutely ruined."

Ally beamed. "That's the goal."

Then—

A crash echoed from the castle.

All four of them froze.

"What the hell was that?" Cassandra hissed.

Bela frowned, tilting her head as if listening. "That... sounded like something expensive breaking."

"Oh no," Ally whispered. "She's probably wrapping up with Heisenberg."

Daniela gasped, clapping her hands together. "That means we don't have much time!"

Ally's stomach flipped.

They were out of time.

Alcina had been merciful in her patience, but if she was done with Heisenberg?

She was coming for Ally next.

"Okay, okay, okay," Ally breathed, hands shaking with anticipation. "Bela, go find Rosie and tell her what's going on. That way she won't freak out when Alcina starts tearing apart the castle looking for me. Cass, Dani—scatter. If she asks, you don't know anything."

Cassandra grinned. "I always act dumb."

Bela rolled her eyes. "That's because you are."

"Hey!"

"Go!" Ally pushed them toward the door.

They scattered—Bela off to find Rosie, Cassandra and Daniela slipping into the shadows, giggling like gremlins.

And just like that—

Ally was alone.

The greenhouse was silent, save for the flickering of the candles, the soft rustling of ivy against glass.

Her hands shook.

Not from fear—no, not at all.

But from the sheer weight of what was about to happen.