In the vibrant heart of Tenochtitlan, where temples rose like stone giants and the canals reflected the sky like sacred mirrors, Citlali was born—a name that in Nahuatl means “star.” From a young age, everyone noticed something special about her: a calm, luminous presence in her eyes and a natural talent for making even the most delicate plants bloom. Her mother, a caretaker of the sacred gardens, taught her how to speak to flowers, to recognize the whispers of the wind, and to understand that every petal carried a message from the gods. Her father, a respected artisan, showed her how colors could tell stories that transcended generations. When Citlali turned thirteen, Moctezuma Xocoyotzin, fascinated by the floral arrangements adorning the palace corridors, asked to meet their creator. He couldn’t believe such harmonious designs came from a child. When he saw her, the emperor knew her talent was no ordinary gift—it seemed like a blessing from Xochiquetzal, goddess of beauty and flowers.