Elara — POV
The moment ends, but my body doesn’t know it.
My hands are still shaking when Kael steps back. Not far just enough that the warmth of him fades, just enough that the air feels colder where he stood. My lips tingle painfully, like they’re searching for something that’s already gone.
People start breathing again.
I hear it before I see it—the shift. Feet scraping stone. Fabric moving. Someone whispering my name like it might burn their tongue.
Elara.
I’ve heard it my whole life. Soft. Forgettable.
Now it sounds dangerous.
I don’t know where to put my eyes. Everywhere feels wrong. I stare at the ground, then immediately regret it—submission, my mind whispers, old pack lessons clawing their way back.
I lift my head too fast and meet Kael’s gaze.
He’s watching me like the
