Elena's POV
Five minutes was more than enough time to escape the stifling energy of the courtyard. I retreated to the quiet sanctuary of my private room, sinking onto the edge of the cot. I stared down at the glowing screen, suddenly exhausted.
While the flood of praise was a welcome change, I was already tired of wading through the toxic swamp of the internet—toggling between Eliana’s fans spewing venom and the endless stream of people worshiping me.
I was just about to slide the power button to shut the phone off completely when the device vibrated violently in my hand.
I blinked, looking down at the flashing caller ID.
Vardis.
My breath caught in my throat. Why on earth was he calling me? Per the strict rules of the mountain, we weren't supposed to have outside contact, least of
