Elara POV
A few hours later, someone shook me awake.
"Elara. Wake up."
Mira's voice. Urgent. Excited.
I opened my eyes. The tremors were gone. My body still ached but I could move without wanting to scream.
"What time is it?" I asked.
"Three hours until sunset." Mira pulled me upright. "We found him. The traitor. We have proof."
My heart jumped. "Who?"
"The ambitious council member. The one who kept pushing for your execution." She helped me stand. "Dorian tracked him to the lower dungeons. He had a shard. Just like the one I found. Covered in Theron's magic."
Hope flared in my chest. Sharp. Desperate.
"Can you prove it?"
"Already did." Dorian appeared in the doorway. He looked exhausted but satisfied. "Caught him red-handed trying to sever another guard's bond. We have witnesses. Evidence. Everything Kaelen needs to clear your name."
I wanted to cry. Wanted to collapse with relief.
But there was no time.
