94
~Elara's POV
Time dragged on slowly, painfully, like it wanted me to suffer through every second of it. The room smelled of broken wood and spilled wine, and the air felt heavy, thick with anger and grief. Darlon staggered across the chamber, knocking things over as he went, his footsteps uneven. I watched his hands shake as he reached for another bottle, then stop halfway, as if something inside him was fighting back.
It was getting late. The candles burned low, their flames flickering weakly, shadows dancing across the ruined walls. I felt fear tighten around my chest. I was scared for him. Scared that he would hurt himself. Scared that his grief would swallow him whole.
"Please," I whispered again and again, my voice breaking. "Please do not destroy yourself too. I cannot bear to lose you like this."
