Isolation and Resolve
The weight of the betrayal sat heavily on Elara’s chest as she trudged through the thick trees of the Shadowglade. Her wounds, both physical and mental, hurt with every step. The whispers of the shadows that clung to her were louder here, more forceful as if they sensed her weakness. She didn’t try to push them away this time.
Ahead, Lysandra’s home came into view,Elara pushed open the door, her energy all but spent.
Lysandra looked up from a boiling pot, her face sad. “You’re late.”
“I wasn’t exactly planning a visit,” Elara grumbled, falling onto a nearby bench.
Lysandra’s silver eyes narrowed. “And yet, here you are. Broken, bleeding, and weighed by a prophesy you’re trying to outrun.”
“I’m not outrunning it,” Elara snapped, though her voice lacked force. “I’
