Chapter 4-Fire & Dreams

The music of the banquet swelled again, louder, wilder. Fae laughter rose sharp as bells. Seraphine’s figure gleamed among them, her beauty sharpened by frost, roses, and starlight. Each gift she accepted bound her closer.

Elara clutched her lantern, its glow faint but steady against the cacophony. Hunger gnawed, voices whispered, beauty ached—and still …