Elara's pov

I stood outside his chambers for a full minute before I found the courage to knock.

My hand trembled as I raised it to the dark wood, the carved wolves seeming to watch me with knowing eyes. This time I knocked properly and formally, like I should have done before.

"Enter."

His voice was quieter than I expected. He sounded almost tired.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside, closing it softly behind me. The chamber was dim, lit only by the dying fire and a few ...