Elara
I woke to the sound of screaming.
At first, I thought I was dreaming.
Then came the ringing of the alarm bell.
Once.
Twice.
Again and again.
Not a gathering.
Not a meeting.
An attack.
I sat upright in my tiny bed as another desperate cry echoed through the village.
Outside my attic window, orange flames painted the night sky.
“No…”
I whispered.
My heart began pounding.
I pulled on my boots, threw a cloak over my shoulders, and rushed downstairs.
Father was already fastening his sword to his belt.
“Stay inside,” he ordered.
“What happened?”
“The eastern gate is under attack.”
Mother grabbed Lyra’s arm.
“Get to the cellar.”
Tristan was already running toward the door.
“I’ll help the warriors.”
Without another word, they rushed out, leaving me standing alone in t
