THE AWAKENING
The night air was thick with the scent of rain, though the sky had yet to break. Elara stood at the edge of the ruined cathedral, her fingers pressing against the cold stone. Her body still felt wrong—like it belonged to someone else. Tristan was a few feet away, watching her carefully. She could feel his gaze burning into her skin, waiting for her to crack. “You’re quiet,” he said. Elara swallowed, her throat raw. “I’m thinking.” “That’s dangerous.” A humorless chuckle escaped her lips. “So is everything else.” Tristan sighed and leaned against a broken pillar. “We need a plan.” “I know,” Elara snapped, then winced at her own sharpness. “I know,” she repeated, softer this time. Tristan studied her for a moment. “We could go to the Elders. See if they know anything about stopping S
- Writer
