~TAZIRA'S POV~
"Mother, I can't sit still anymore." I uttered the moment I entered her chamber.
My chest was tight, and my stomach churning. Two days... just two days before Alaric leaves for Tharros and my heart felt as though it would tear itself apart.
The familiar fragrance of sandalwood and jasmine filled the air in the room. My mother, Luna Rhiannon, sat by the window, her silk robe trailing to the floor.
She did not even glance at me immediately, only slowly folded the letter in her hand, placing it neatly on the low table beside her tea. Her calmness infuriated me.
"You came here because of the rumor," she finally spoke.
"Rumor?" I clenched my fists. "It's more than a rumor, Mother. Alaric is preparing to lead the search himself because he heard Elowen is in Tharros. And if he finds her…"
My throat closed up as the very thought of it made my palms cold with sweat. I was trembling, but not out of weakness, but of anger, fear, and unwillingness.
