Chapter 26 The Crownless Flame

• Elira didn’t sleep that night. The fire inside her wouldn’t let her—not the literal one, but the kind that clung to her bones now, whispering things only she could hear. She lay still, barely breathing, eyes fixed on the stars overhead, though they offered no comfort. Not after what she’d done. Not after what she’d become.
• Across the camp, Kael watched her in silence. He hadn’t asked questions—not yet—but she could feel the weight of them pressing against her, waiting for a crack in her calm. He was always watching now. Not out of suspicion. Out of fear. Not for her. Of her.
• And maybe he was right.