When Victor woke, Elara was already gone from the small house.
He stepped outside, moving slowly, as though every limb carried a hidden weight. The morning
air was cool, yet it did nothing to ease the heaviness in his body. His face had lost its color; he
looked almost ghostlike.
Hellen was the first to notice him.
“Victor… are you alright? You look so pale. Did your condition worsen?”
He let out a quiet chuckle, though it was laced with discomfort.
“No, no… I’m feeling better.
”
But even as he spoke, his eyes drifted past her.
Elara was already outside.
She stood a short distance away, speaking to a group of men. Her posture was firm, her voice
steady every inch of her carried authority. When her gaze shifted in his direction, Victor quickly
looked away, pretending he hadn’t
