Xavier
That night, I stood by the balcony of my chamber. The sky stretched wide above, dark velvet with stars scattered like ash across it. The moon glowed pale, a haunting silver. The cool night air brushed my skin, carrying with it the faint smell of pine and earth.
Behind me, I felt her presence before I heard her steps. Elara.
She moved softly, like a shadow, but when she stopped at my side, warmth radiated from her. Her hair carried the faint scent of lavender, her eyes catching the moonlight like water catching fire.
“They trust you,” she whispered, her voice low, almost reverent. “The elders. The warriors. Even the people. I see it in their eyes.”
I swallowed, my throat dry. “Trust is dangerous. It makes men bold, but it makes enemies desperate.”
She tilted her head, her eyes
