Kaelen POV
I found her at dawn on the rooftop.
Elara stood at the edge. Not dangerously close. Just staring out at the mountains. Her arms wrapped around herself like she was trying to hold something in.
Or keep something out.
I knew the moment I saw her face. Something had changed. Something was wrong.
The way she held herself. The tension in her shoulders. The emptiness in her eyes.
"You had another dream," I said.
She didn't turn. "Yes."
"What did he show you this time?"
"The truth." Her voice was flat. Empty. "About my parents. About you."
My stomach dropped. I'd known this moment would come eventually. Known Theron would use it against me. But I'd hoped for more time. More chances to explain.
"Elara—"
"Did you know?" She finally turned to face me. Her eyes were red. She'd been crying. "When your father hunted them. When he ordered them killed. Did you know?"
