Royal of Darkness

Previously

…Slowly, he raised his free hand, his thumb brushing a stray strand of hair from my cheek. His touch, usually possessive and demanding, was gentle, almost tentative. “Elara,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through my very bones. I leaned into his touch, a sigh escaping my lips. The fear that had been my constant companion for weeks had receded, replaced by a weary exhaustion and a strange, burgeoning sense of peace. It was a peace born not of safety, but of acceptance. I had made my choice. I had thrown myself into this darkness, and now, I was here, standing beside the man who embodied it. “It’s over, isn’t it?” I whispered, my voice hoarse. He nodded, his