章 1503: Chapter 1503: The Shattered Dawn

Elara awoke in darkness, her body aching as though it had been torn apart and pieced back together. Her mind, too, felt fractured, scattered across the remnants of a nightmare she could barely remember. She tried to move, but the weight of the world seemed to press down on her, pinning her to the ground.

For a moment, she allowed herself to breathe, to focus on the simple act of drawing in air, steadying herself in the silence that followed. She opened her eyes, though the darkness still lingered around her, thick and suffocating. Slowly, the world began to take form, dim shapes and outlines becoming clearer, until she could make out the faint glow of distant embers in the air.

"Elara."

The voice was soft, but unmistakable—Aiden's voice, tinged with both relief and concern. She turned her head, forcing her body to respond, to move. Her limbs felt heavy, unresponsive, but slowly, she managed to push herself up.