Bab 231: Insecurity & Doubt

The soft glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the tall, arched windows of the palace, casting long, golden beams across Elian's chamber. He sat by the window, the rich fabric of his robes pooling around him, though he barely noticed the weight of it. His hand rested gently on his rounded stomach, moving in slow, absent-minded circles as he stared out at the vast gardens below.

Elian's thoughts drifted back to his conversation with Orion that morning. His brother's voice, filled with assurance and affection, had brought him a moment of solace. But as the hours passed, doubts began to creep into his mind, wrapping around his heart like tendrils of darkness.