The Gilded Forgery

"Congrats to your daughter, by the way," Elara said quietly.

Her words were so soft that only Elara and Meredith could hear them.

Meredith froze for a moment, her heart pounding.

Elara just smiled faintly, saying nothing.

Some things didn't need to be said out loud.

Magnus, who'd been straining to hear, asked, "What are you two talking about?"

Elara said, "I'm heading out."

With that, she turned t