Elara lay sprawled on her bed, the soft flicker of candlelight illuminating the room's ornate stone walls. Her fiery red hair fanned out like a halo, cascading off the side of the bed and brushing the cold floor.
A heavy, leather-bound book rested on her chest, rising and falling in rhythm with her gentle breaths. The room was serene, the castle beyond it shrouded in a deep, midnight silence.
And then a voice… more likely a whisper broke that silence.
"Elara..."
It was soft, barely audible, like a breeze stirring through leaves. Her brow furrowed slightly, and her head turned, but she did not wake.
"Elara..."
The voice came again, insistent yet soothing. Her eyelids fluttered, revealing silver eyes that shone faintly in the dim light. Her gaze was unfocused, her mind still tethered to sleep.
"Elara... come to me."
