Lyla

One Day To Lyla's Birthday

Lyla POV:

Following Elara through the winding corridors of this dark, foreboding palace, I couldn't help but feel like a mouse in a snake's den. Every step I took on the cold, hard floor echoed through the emptiness, adding to the tightening knot in my stomach. The walls seemed to close in on me, their towering heights a constant reminder that I was no longer within the safe confines of the academy or the comforting proximity of my brothers, Cameron, and Samual. Oh, how I missed their protective auras, their warm smiles that could light up even my darkest days.

Elara's heels clicked authoritatively on the floor as we neared a set of large, intricately designed double doors. They swung open as if anticipating our arrival, revealing a dimly lit room adorned with ancient tapestries and dark, heavy furniture. Sitting at the far end, behind an antique desk, was Noah. His eyes, green as a serpent's, locked onto mine.

"Ah, you've brought her, Elara," he said, his v