[ELARA]
“Elara?” Magnus says my name again, his voice a mix of worry and something else I can't quite place. He crosses the room with purposeful strides, stopping just a few steps away from my bed. My eyes flicker nervously to the pillow concealing the poison vial before meeting his golden gaze. My heart hammers against my chest, and I know he can hear it. His expression shifts from concern to confusion.
‘Talk to him,’ Lila’s voice echoes in my mind, but I can’t find the words or the will to speak.
Does he know I've been threatened to poison him? Did he see me hide the vial? Does he think I’m going to betray him?
“Elara,” he repeats softly, his tone pleading.
As he takes an uncertain step closer, I finally find my voice. I stand up abruptly, holding my breath. “Magnus,” I whisper, my
