It was as though ice-cold water was dunked on Thorne. His boots echoed through the hallway, the beta fast on his heels, trying to match up to him.

"Tell me again," he said sharply, voice low. "How the hell did this happen?"

Caelum's jaw flexed, his voice tight. "The maids say she's been doing really bad for the past month and hasn't taken the banishment well. They say she barely leaves her room, refuses meals. They assumed it would pass, and she'll be okay." He paused. "But this morning, when one went to check on her, they found her unconscious, a bottle of poison nearby."

Thorne's jaw clenched, fists tightening. "What poison?"

"Delarus, my king." He paused for a beat. "We sent for the healer immediately," Caelum continued. "She's stable now. Still unconscious… but healing."

Thorne didn't say anything at first. Just kept walking. Past the guards, past the early staff already beginning their shifts. His chest burned with anger, confusion, and something he hated more than either—guilt.

"Elara—She sent dozens of letters, messages trying to reach you and have you come to her," Caelum said quietly.

Thorne hummed, he knew she did, after all, he was the one who asked all of her letters to be thrown out.

But… He didn't think she would actually… try something.

As much as he hated what she did to Adina, she was still once part of his court. She had once been an important part of his life. Banishing her to the outer banks was difficult, but he couldn't forgive what she did to his mate.

He reached the courtyard, where a carriage was already waiting for him.

Thorne stepped forward, but Caelum grabbed his arm.

"What about Adina? She'll ask of you. Should I tell her you've gone to see…" he trailed off.

Thorne paused, he had left her so early in the morning while she was still asleep without any word.

"Tell her I'll be back soon." Then, without another word, he stepped into the carriage and closed the door behind him.

A maid stood by the door, head bowed the moment he arrived at the house. "Where is she?" He asked.

"She's upstairs in her room, your majesty," she replied.

He nodded and made his way up the creaking staircase. His heart heavy with each passing second. The last time he had seen her, she was being dragged out of his office, screaming at the top of her lungs. That was a month ago, and that was the memory that burned into his mind.

The bedroom door was ajar, little light filtering through the curtains. He pushed it open and stepped in, his jaw clenched hard when he laid eyes on her.

The guilt came in waves. She lay curled up on the bed like a doll forgotten in the attic. Pale. Thinner than he remembered. Her once-glossy black hair was tangled and dull, cheeks hollow, lips cracked. Her eyes were closed, cheeks streaked with dried tears.

Thorne's heart clenched, and that was a lot coming from him. He had held Elara at such high standards till she did what she did. He'd never imagined that there would be a day where Elara wouldn't be the general of Obsidian or that she would be banished.

Thorne stood still at the edge of the bed, eyes stuck on the woman laying on the bed. She looked drained and broken.

Should he not have ignored her?

This was the same woman who'd laced Adina with such a heinous spell. The same woman who sent rogues after her to defile her. The same woman who had lied to his face over and over again. This was the same woman who'd screamed that Adina didn't matter.

He stepped closer to her, jaw still clenched. He raised his hand to touch her but stopped, his hand hovering against her cheek.

He shook his head and moved to leave only to be stopped.

"Thorne… please don't leave me. Don't…"

He snapped his gaze to her, her brows were drawn together like she was in pain, her fingers twitching slightly against the sheet. She was still unconscious and only muttering these words.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled while twitching. "I didn't mean to… please forgive me…"

Thorne didn't move— he couldn't.

"Elara.." he called out to her.

Then she stirred, slowly, eyelids fluttering open just enough to see him standing there.

"Thorne…" she whispered, eyes glassy with what looked like tears. "You came…"

Thorne stood at the edge of the bed, watching as the healer worked on Elara who was now sitting up, resting her back against the headboard.

"Your Majesty," the healer began. "Lady Elara is stable now. The poison has been flushed out of her system. She was lucky. Another hour, and we wouldn't be speaking at all."

Thorne said nothing. Elara didn't look lucky. She looked wrecked.

"I've left a tonic to help her sleep and recover," the healer added, gathering his bag. "She's weak, and I think it will do her some good if she's amongst people. The outer banks can be quite isolating, and I know—"

"That's enough. You may leave." Elara croaked out from where she was.

The healer looked down. "Forgive me, my king. Please excuse me."

The door shut tight after the healer stepped out, leaving Thorne and Elara alone.

Elara cleared her throat. "I-Please ignore her words. I'm okay here and I—"

"She's right though. You'll recover faster if you're with people," Thorne said, stepping closer to her.

Elara went silent, eyes already glossy with unshed tears. She shook her head. "No, What I did— It is unforgivable, and I can't do that to Adina or you." The tears dropped down her cheeks.

"I truly am okay here, and I—"

"If you're so okay here, then why did you try to kill yourself, Elara?"

A sob wrecked out of her at this, "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry.. I just, I've been in so much pain, and I just wanted to be free even if it is for some seconds. I— This isn't on you, My king. I did this to myself."

Elara's sobs filled the room, her hands clenched tightly in her lap as she cried. "I didn't do this because I wanted pity or attention. I swear I didn't." Her voice cracked. "I just… I didn't see a way out. Not anymore. Everyone has forgotten me. I'm nothing now. Nothing without the court—without you."

Thorne stood still, watching her carefully. "Elara.." he said quietly.

"I'm not asking for anything," she whispered. "I'm not asking to come back. I'm not asking you to forget what I did. I just…" Her voice wavered. "I just want you to know I'm sorry." Her hand reached out shakily, and Thorne stepped closer to her.

"If I could go back, I would change everything," she choked out. "I was… I was foolish. I let pride and jealousy destroy everything. But I know I can't undo what I've done." She paused, wiping her tears. "I'll go on my knees if I must. I'll beg Adina for forgiveness too. I'll spend the rest of my life here in solitude if it brings her peace. If it brings you peace."

Before he could respond, she suddenly flung herself forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug as she sobbed loudly.

He stiffened, caught off guard but didn't pull away immediately. Her tears soaked into his chest, her body trembling against his.

"Ela—" He winced slightly as he felt something sting his neck. It was barely noticeable, but sharp enough to make him flinch.

He pulled back, fingers brushing over the spot. "What was—"

"Oh," Elara pulled back quickly, wiping at her eyes. "I'm sorry. My fingernail must've scratched you—gods, I didn't mean to…"

He nodded, straightening up. "It's fine. Just— the healer did say you need to be around people so even if it's for a few days, come back to the palace. I'll lift your ban for a week." He said.

Elara's tears rolled out like waterworks. "T-thank you. Thank you so much." She choked out. "I won't disappoint you again. Thank you."

Thorne nodded. "I have to leave now." he beckoned on the maid outside the door, and she came running in. "Your majesty." She bowed.

"Prepare Elara's things for a week. She's to return to the palace for adequate treatment."

"Yes, your majesty."

He walked to the door and paused, casting a glance at Elara's trembling form. "I'll see you."

Elara nodded slowly. "Thank you… for coming."

As the door shut behind him, Elara straightened up, letting out a deep breath. Her fingers slid into her sleeve, pulling out the glinting pin, its energy now drained completely.

And she smiled.