Damian’s Return to EllaThe heavy doors to the healing chamber creaked open as Damian stepped inside, his expression dark and weary. The scent of herbs clung to the air, unable to mask the faint trace of sickness that clung to the room.

Ella lay motionless on the bed, her once vibrant silver hair now dull, her skin pale and clammy. Her chest rose in slow, shallow breaths.

Damian knelt beside her, brushing damp strands from her forehead. “Ella…” he whispered, his voice cracking. “Stay ...