ELARA
I paused at the front door to watch Harold leave, only twisting the locks of the ancient brass doors after his broad frame became a distant shadow at the bend of the palace's long driveway. Dark clouds gathered, promising rain soon—an ominous change from the scant brightness that lingered just hours before. I wasn't supposed to care, but somehow, my heart went out to poor Harold and the drenching fate that awaited him once the sky opened up.
With a loud sigh, I pushed off the door where my back had been pressed contemplatively, pondering my next action now that he was gone. In the living room, I replenished the logs in the pile of ash that Gerald had created the first night to keep the fireplace alive, ensuring the area remained warm, I had maintained the tradition.
I took the sta
