⚠️ Content Warning This chapter contains graphic scenes, strong language, violence, and mature themes that may be disturbing to some readers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Elara limped home before daybreak. The moon was so bright that anyone looking up would have thought it was already daytime. Despite her condition, she chose to walk through the front door, not caring what her father, or anyone else, would say.
The guards stationed at the entrance stared in shock as she approached.
Her once-beautiful hair was a tangled mess, littered with leaves and broken twigs. Mud stained her gown from top to bottom, and several parts of the fabric had been ripped away during her journey through the forest. She looked nothing like the noble young lady who had left the house.
Without sparing anyone a glance, Elara trudged forward.
