The Queen dismissed the guards with sharp, urgent orders, but her eyes never left Elara. The
corridor still smelled faintly of smoke and corrupted magic, the gouges in the stone floor a stark reminder of how close the attack had come. The air felt heavy, almost swollen, as if the palace itself was holding its breath and waiting for the next strike.
“Elara,” the Queen said softly, “come with me. Now.”
Theron stepped forward immediately, his movements sharp and protective. “I am coming too.”
The Queen hesitated for only a heartbeat, then nodded. “Very well.”
Mira followed close behind, pale and shaken, but determined not to leave Elara’s side. Her hands trembled, yet her jaw was set with stubborn loyalty. She looked as if she would throw herself in front of another corrupted if she had
