Elijah’s Pov
I’d slipped away to the balcony just after dinner, needing the quiet more than I’d realized. The night air was cool against my skin, and the soft glow of lanterns drifted up from the courtyard below. I sank onto the wooden bench, letting the weight of the day press down on my shoulders.
I’d spent months standing beside my brothers, battling outside threats, but I’d failed to notice the fight Leila had faced alone. I’d watched her push through pain and fear without daring to step forward. Until now.
“Hey,” she said softly, startling me. I hadn’t heard her approach. She stood there in the doorway, silhouetted by torchlight, concerned flickering in her eyes.
I forced a small smile. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
She sat beside me, close enough that the hem of her dress brushed
