Chapter 171

Elara's POV

After leaving the hospital, I found myself back at Zarek Vane's sprawling estate. The air was thick with the scent of pines and polished stone, a faint reminder of the Steelbound Alliance's power and control. The halls seemed quieter now, almost serene, yet I could feel the tension humming just beneath the surface—Zarek's presence was enough to keep even the walls alert.

I adjusted my