WHEN THE GROUND SHIFTS
The morning felt wrong.
Not stormy. Not tense in the obvious way that follows conflict.
Just… altered.
Elara noticed it immediately when she stepped into the corridor outside their chamber. Conversations that would normally drift freely through the keep were quieter now. Doors closed a little faster. Eyes lifted—and then lowered.
Respect had always followed Kael.
But this wasn’t just respect.
It was recalibration.
When she descended into the courtyard, the warriors already training paused almost imperceptibly.
Not to stare.
To assess.
A few bowed their heads to her.
That had never happened before.
Her steps faltered for half a breath.
Across the yard, Rowan was watching.
He approached once she reached the edge of the training ring.
“Morning,” he said
