Elara POV
"Walk faster, Princess," Lyra hissed in my ear. "And for gods' sake, stop looking so frightened. You're supposed to be a princess, not a rabbit."
My legs felt like water. The palace entry loomed ahead—massive doors carved with dragons breathing fire. Real fire that flickered and hissed as we neared.
"How is that possible?" I breathed.
"Magic." Lyra's amber eyes flicked to me. "Everything here is magic. Get used to it quickly, or you won't survive the day."
The doors swung open on their own. Heat hit my face like an oven. Inside, the palace glowed red and gold—lava flowing beneath glass floors, flames dancing on the walls without burning anything, smoke curling through the air like live creatures.
I wanted to run. Wanted to scream. Wanted to wake up from this nightmare.
But Mama's face flashed in my mind. Her bruised lips. Her empty eyes.
I had to do this. For her.
"Shoulders back," Lyra whispered. "Chin up. You're a princess. Act like it."
