C33 THE UNQUENCHABLE FRAME

The daybreak came painted in blood and quiet.

Ash still drifted in the air — a ghostly reminder of what had been lost. Damon stood in the wreckage of the celestial hall, surrounded by shattered marble and burnt gold. The fire had long since faded, yet the scent of smoke clung to his skin like anguish that refused to leave.

He knelt beside her.

Elara — or Azelra — lay lifeless