The Golden Eyes

Elara's POV:

The heavy wooden door of my apartment clicked shut behind me, sealing me inside the quiet space. I leaned against the sturdy frame for a second, catching my breath as I kicked off my shoes. Leaving the Pendletons’ sunlit cottage had been difficult. Their home brimmed with innocent laughter, a profound sense of safety, and the kind of family warmth I craved. My heart swelled with hope