Chapter 165

*Kaelen*

We didn’t speak as we walked.

The ruins stretched ahead, half-swallowed by moss and memory, and the only sound was the crunch of gravel beneath our boots. Elora walked just ahead of me, her flame low and quiet in the air—like even it was holding its breath. The wind carried a crisp bite, not quite cold, but enough to make her reach up and rub her arms now and then. I wanted to offer her m