Caelan POV:
I feel Elara before I see her. I turn just as Elara steps back through the archway.
For a moment her silhouette is outlined by torchlight behind her, the warm glow catching the edge of her hair and the straight line of her shoulders before she moves fully into the courtyard again. The pack has already begun to return to its rhythm. But my focus stays fixed on her.
Rhydan follows a step behind her, though he doesn’t linger. He slows just long enough to glance between us, then veers away toward the patrol groups without interrupting, the casual ease of someone who knows when his presence has done its work. Even as he walks away, I notice the way his attention flicks back toward Elara more than once. Watchful and protective.
Satisfied enough to step away, but not enough to sto
