The Runebound Beast

Elara's POV

The murmurs of the council began to swell, eager to consume the tension I had just spilled across the grass. Sivya’s voice sliced through the aristocratic whispers with calculated grace, her tone smooth and patronizing.

"Kyra," Sivya purred, tilting her head with a mock-sympathetic smile. "I understand you desperately want her to leave a favorable impression on Lord Zarek. But there