Elara
The glass felt cold and smooth in my hand, its jagged edge catching the faint candlelight. My breath came fast too fast until the world seemed to tilt. I didn’t think. I just pressed the shard into my palm and pulled.
A sharp, burning sting split through me.
The sound was small just a hiss from my own mouth but inside, it was like a roar. Warmth spilled over my skin, sliding down my wrist in a slow, sticky trail. I stared at the dark red as it dripped onto the stone floor.
It was wrong. It was dangerous.
And it was… freeing.
I could smell the iron tang of my own blood mixing with the faint scent of dust and smoke from the lanterns. My fingers trembled, but my chest felt lighter than it had in days.
Before the pain could fade, I turned and ran.
...
My thin gown clung to my s
