The morning after Kaelen's visit dawned grey and cold, the weak northern light filtering through the narrow window of my chamber like a hesitant visitor. I had slept little—the echoes of his words, the warmth of his embrace, and the weight of his belief still pulsed through me, making rest impossible. But I did not feel tired. I felt... charged. Ready.
A soft knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts. I crossed the room and opened it to find Elara, her warm brown eyes uncharacteristically serious, her usual bright smile absent.
"Can I come in?" she asked quietly.
I stepped aside, gesturing her into the room. She moved to the window, looking out at the grey sky for a long moment before turning to face me. Her expression was thoughtful, weighing something I could not see.
"I need to talk to you," she said finally. "Privately. Honestly."
I nodded, my heart quickening. "Of course."
