Night came heavy and warm, clinging to the mountains like a velvet shroud. The council had long since dispersed, but Elara could still feel the heat of it on her skin — the weight of every decision, every gaze, every unspoken threat cloaked in diplomacy.
But the battle that raged now was far quieter. More dangerous.
She stood in her chamber before the open balcony doors, letting the wind run its fingers through her hair. Below, the forest whispered, and above, the moon—silver and swollen—watched in silence.
A knock. Soft. Hesitant.
"Come in," she said, already knowing.
Kael entered first, still in the black armor from the council, but the fire behind his eyes had dimmed to something softer. Controlled. Dangerous in a different way.
"You shouldn't be alone tonight," he said, his voice low.
"I'm not," she replied, eyes drifting past him.
