Elara
The air in the council hall was heavy, like smoke lingering after fire. Even though Isabella had already been dragged away in chains, her shadow remained. I could almost feel it pressing against the walls, whispering with the echoes of her betrayal. The stone chamber, once a place of command and pride, now smelled of something bitter fear and shame.
Dominic stood at the center, his broad shoulders straight but his jaw clenched so tightly I thought his teeth might shatter. His eyes flickered with restless rage, golden sparks dancing and fading, betraying the wolf that stirred beneath his skin.
He had always carried himself like a king, every step strong, every word sharp. But tonight, I saw the cracks. His pride bled through him like a wound he could not hide.
I shifted in my chai
