Threads of Light

(Selene’s POV)

The guest quarters overlooked the inner groves and terraced gardens spiralled downward, lit by floating motes of pale gold. From up here, the Elven Capital breathed like something alive. Leaves shifted without wind. Stone hummed softly beneath my feet.

I sat on the edge of the bed, hands folded, trying to steady my thoughts.

Fenrir stood near the open balcony doors, speaking quietly with Lysara. I couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but soon enough, Lysara excused herself.

When Fenrir turned back to me, the weight he carried was more visible. Not fear. Responsibility.

“They’ll allow us limited archive access,” he said. “Only the surface tiers.”

“Surface is better than nothing,” I replied.

He smiled faintly. “You’re adapting too quickly to politics.”

“I’ve had good teachers,” I said, thinking of Gabriel—and of Fenrir, whether he liked it or not.

A soft chime echoed through the room before either of us could say more. The doors opened, and a woman stepped inside w