A Moment of Peace

Chapter 23

Third POV

Elara sat on the cold stone slab, feeling the warmth of the food settle in her stomach, the energy coursing through her veins like a lifeline. For the first time since her arrival in this dark, oppressive place, she felt a small measure of strength return to her body. The meal had done more than just sustain her physically; it had given her a fleeting sense of normalcy, a brief escape from the nightmare that had become her reality.

Closing her eyes, she let herself sink into that feeling, allowing the memories of her past to wash over her like a comforting tide. She drifted back to a time when life was simple, when her biggest concern was choosing the freshest produce at the village market, and her greatest joy was cooking a hearty meal to share with others.

In her mind, she saw herself walking through the village, her feet moving over the familiar cobblestone streets. She was dressed modestly, as always, in a simple dress that allowed her to blend in with the othe