The last rays of sunlight had vanished beyond the horizon. Shadows stretched across the house, and the air had thickened, as if the darkness already carried the breath of the realm. Everyone was in motion. Kael, Selene, and Thyra were preparing for departure, but one thing remained: Elara's transformation.
Not a physical one.
But a transformation of role.
In the rearranged living room, lit by the golden glow of candles, Elara stood at the center of the circle. The dark red dress hugged her form gently, the belt shimmered metallically in the lamp light, and the uncertainty that had clouded her face in the morning was gone. Her shoulders were squared, her posture learned yet dignified. Every movement had been rehearsed: the nod of the head, the step, the stance at Dareth's side.
And now
