ELARA'S POV

I could still remember clearly how the events had unfolded that day. The echoes of my defeat still rang in my mind as I sat on the cold stone floor of my chamber. Although my magic was powerful, it had proven to be no match for Damon’s relentless attack. He had pushed me to my brink until I was forced to surrender—not out of weakness, but because the upper hand of the battle had turned against me.

My emotions were a swirl of anger and humiliation as I paced back and forth, the ...