Chapter 146

Elara’s POV

I watched Zarek settle onto the sofa with that easy, unshakable calm of his, pillow tucked beneath his arm like he belonged here. I should have argued longer, but the words dried on my tongue.

“Then… good night?” I said at last, trying to sound casual.

“Good night.” His lips curved in the faintest smile.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. That smile—subtle, almost boyish—was so dif