Chapter 124

Zarek's POV

Her hand.

The moment Elara's fingers closed around mine, something inside me stilled. For so long I had carried weight—responsibility, rage, the Vane name like chains forged from iron and shadow. Yet when she pulled, I followed. Step after step through the storm, I let her lead.

And for the first time in years, I felt as if I didn't have to fight for direction. With her hand anchoring