CHAPTER 26

The blood drained from my face. "What happened?" My voice was barely more than a whisper, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Dorian ran a hand through his hair, his normally composed demeanor shattered, his face tight with worry. "I don't know—she collapsed. She was fine, and then... she just... went down. I need the physician, but he won't come without an order from His Majesty."

My mind was spinning, but I forced myself to stay calm. Elara needed me. "Take me to her," I said, my voice steady despite the panic rising in my chest.

We rushed down the hall and out into the tower's estate, where most of the servants and workers lived. Dorian led the way to their home and into Elara's chambers. The moment I stepped inside, I saw Elara lying on the bed, her face flushed with fever and her breath labored. She was drenched in sweat, her eyes half-closed, barely conscious.

My heart clenched. "Elara…"