ark hood, but his eyes-sharp and calculating-shone through, a cold, piercing blue. As he approached, the air seemed to thicken with the weight of his presence. Elira felt a shiver run down her spin

a choice." Elira's mind was racing, torn between the words of this man and the stark reality of the situation. The Court was hunting her. That much was clear. But could she trust Lord Kaelen? Could she trust anyone? "What kind of choice?" Elira asked, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. Kaelen took a step closer, his expression serious. "I can offer you sanctuary. I can take you to the Crimson Court-under my protection. You would be safe. You could live out your days without fear of the Court's hunters." The offer was tempting-more tempting than anything Elira had ever heard. To be safe. To live without fear. To have control over her own destiny. But there was something in Kaelen's eyes-something in the way he spoke-that didn't sit right with her. This was a man who had once been part of the Court. What had changed? And why would he be offering her this "sanctuary" now? "And what do you want in return?" Elira asked, her voice guarded. Kaelen hesitated, his eyes flickering briefly to Serah and Dren before returning to her. "I want your help, Elira. The Court is on the brink of war. If I don't stop them now, they will plunge the realm into chaos. You are the key to stopping them." Serah stepped forward, her voice hard and unforgiving. "You're asking her to trust you after everything the Court has done? After everything you've done?" Kaelen's expression hardened. "I didn't come here to defend my past. I came here to save the future." There was a long silence as Elira processed his words. Her eyes darted between Serah, Dren, and the enigmatic man before her. They were all waiting for her to make a decision, and the weight of it felt heavier than anything she had ever carried. "What kind of war are we talking about?" Elira asked finally, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "What exactly is the Crimson Court planning?" Kaelen's face darkened. "The Court is on the brink of taking control of the entire kingdom. They plan to use your power-the power of the Moonborn-to enslave the people, to bend the very fabric of magic to their will. They believe that with your bloodline, they can control the elements, the very for