= Amara =
My heartbeat roared in my chest, a relentless drum that threatened to betray me with every pulse. I could feel it rattling through my ribs, vibrating in my temples, echoing down my arms to the very tips of my fingers. I forced myself to inhale slowly, deliberately, letting the air fill my lungs and push back against the tremor threatening to unravel me. One more breath. One more beat. I could do this. I would do this.
This was the moment I had been waiting for. The one that demanded everything, that offered nothing but the weight of choice and consequence. I would not stumble. I would not falter. Not now.
“I…”
I started, my voice calm and measured, even though inside, my chest threatened to split under the pressure. The sound surprised me with its steadiness, carrying a confi
