Chapter60: Elara's Memories

KELLY THOMPSON'S POV  The night wind whistled through the half-open window of my study, sending a shiver down my spine as I pondered over the maps and ancient texts scattered across my desk. The soft knock at the door barely reached my ears, lost amidst the haunting howl that echoed from the woods, a reminder of the darkness lurking beyond the palace walls. "Enter," I called, my voice steady despite the unease that clung to my heart like ivy to ancient stone. Elara Windrider stepped into the chamber, her presence as silently commanding as the moon's pull on the tides. I could see in her eyes-the same restless gleam of the untamed wilderness-that tonight, she bore more than just her usual counsel. "Kelly, there's something you must know about my past," Elara began, her tone low, as if to prevent the secrets from spilling into unwanted ears. She moved closer, the flickering candlelight casting a dance of shadows upon her face. "Before I found sanctuary within your pack, I roamed the land