Elara’s POV
The small bell above the café door jingled softly as I stepped inside, the familiar scent of roasted coffee beans and fresh pastries wrapping around me, a temporary comfort.
I forced myself to smile as I spotted Rina at a corner table, already waving me over, her grin bright enough to dissolve the heavy fog clouding my mind.
“Elara! Over here!” she called, pushing a second latte toward the empty chair across from her.
I slid into the seat, wrapping my chilled fingers around the warm cup. “You’re a lifesaver.”
She tilted her head, studying me. “You look… exhausted. Is everything okay?”
I laughed, but it came out thin, and brittle. “I’m fine. Just haven’t been sleeping much. You know how it is.”
Her brow furrowed, but she let it go. “So, tell me. Did you hear back from th
