Shattered Illusions

*Elora*

I put one heavy foot in front of the other, letting the damp, uneven soil of the trial grounds transition into the smooth, familiar cobblestone of the academy courtyard. The adrenaline that had kept me moving through the trees was draining out of my veins at an alarming rate. My injured ankle throbbed with a dull, persistent ache that shot up my calf with every step. Exhaustion settled d