May pulled her cloak tighter around her neck. The air was bitter that night, despite the candles glowing and reflecting in the lake like fireflies.

She turned the page of her book and gazed through the flickering light at their paradise.

Wilting roses swayed drunkenly, dancing with the musk-scented breeze. Crickets hummed through the oasis, their music making ripples in the honey-like water.

...

“Look at this one!” Camilla said, pointing in amazement to an Egyptian drinking cup.

Annie smiled, “Nice, yes.” Her responses had become more strained as the patch of sky through the ceiling grew darker and the crowds grew thinner. “Are you almost ready to go?”

Camilla looked up at the empty room, her brown eyes buzzing with excitement. They were tucked into the far corner, behind a large wall ...