Selene’s POV
The knock came just as I finished grinding the last set of herbs.
Soft.
Respectful.
Timed perfectly.
“Enter,” I said without looking up.
The door opened slowly behind me.
Footsteps followed.
Light.
Careful.
Measured.
I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.
I could already feel her presence.
Weak.
Fragile.
Human.
“Elara Valen,” I murmured, still focused on the mortar in my hand.
“You finally arrived.”
The scent of fear drifted toward me.
Subtle.
But unmistakable.
“Yes…” her voice came out soft, slightly breathless.
“I was told to come here.”
Of course she was.
Exactly as planned.
I finally turned.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
She stood near the doorway, one hand gripping the edge of the wall as if she needed support just to remain standing.
Her skin look
