Elera’s POV
I didn’t breathe properly for the rest of the afternoon.
Every word Nyra said kept replaying in my head over and over again.
Every powerful family in the city is going to know your existence.
Which honestly sounded less like information and more like the beginning of my downfall.
The conference room eventually emptied after Kael dismissed everyone with that terrifying calm voice of his, but the tension followed me everywhere afterward like something alive.
People stared harder now.
Longer.
Not just gossip anymore.
Awareness.
And somehow that felt worse.
By the time I reached the executive hallway again, my chest already felt tight from exhaustion.
Mina spotted me immediately from across the office.
“Oh my God,” she whispered dramatically, rushing toward me. “Why do
