Chapter 115

• Kael’s Pov
• By the time we got back, the tension in the air had eased only slightly. Zane was awake now, propped up against the pillows, his face pale but his eyes alert. He greeted me with a faint smile, though I could see the exhaustion etched into every line of his expression.
• Elder Aldric was already in the room, standing close to the bed with that ever-calm presence of his. Alera’s parents were here too, their faces lined with worry that softened only when Zane gave them a reassuring nod. Maya and Lira, of course, clung to him the moment we walked in, embracing him like they feared he’d vanish if they let go.