79
~Elara's POV
They led me deeper into the palace.
The doors closed behind us with a soft, heavy sound, and for a moment I flinched. Not because I was afraid, but because something in me expected cold. Hardness. Distance.
But none of that came.
The palace inside was warm. Not just in heat, but in feeling. Lamps burned softly along the walls, throwing gentle light over old stone and carved pillars. The floors were smooth beneath my feet, polished by years of footsteps. Servants moved quietly, bowing as we passed, their faces calm, respectful.
I walked between Alpha Rowan and his Luna.
My parents.
The thought still made my chest tighten.
Alpha Rowan's hand rested lightly on my shoulder, steady. Protective. Not the man I knew. Not the man who hated me in my present life. This Alpha Rowan glanced down at me often, like he needed to see me there to stay calm.
"You shouldn't worry us like that again," he said softly.
"I'm sorry," I replied without thinking.
