Chapter 17: Omega's Cry (Elara's POV)
A week passed since Caleb's rejection and my mother's death. The twin wounds festered inside me, but I forced myself to move forward. What else could I do? Death would only prove Caleb right about my weakness.
I threw myself into work at the pharmacy, finding comfort in the familiar scents of herbs and healing ingredients. The rhythmic motion of grinding, mixing, and brewing anchored me to the present when memories threatened to drag me under.
"You're early again," Samuel remarked as I reorganized our inventory for the third time that week.
I shrugged, not meeting his concerned gaze. "Lots to do."
"Sure," he replied, unconvinced. "That's why you've alphabetized the same shelf twice."
My hands stilled on a jar of moonflower extract. "I like
