machine clattering late into the night as she crafted Elric's requested dress. The fabric he provided was un

He spoke of a future where they could leave the slums behind, build something better, and never look back. Hi

he market and her nights slipping out without explanation. When Amara asked

r all, Kane's attention seemed to focus solely on

-

urs perfecting. It was a masterpiece, unlike anything she had ever created. She felt a pang of pride, followed by a stab of une

ve her, its white stone walls gleaming in the afternoon sun. As she climbed the steps

nts later, descending a grand staircase with the e

e like silk. "You've outdo

replied, her voice steady despit

ing room, where he examined the dress with a

he said. "You ha

e said, relieve

l me, Amara. Why do you stay in the slums w

of how to answer. "I..

is eyes narrowing slightly. "Perhaps

er a thick envelope. She peeked inside to see

" he said. "I have more wo

-

ted for her in her shop. When she show

, flipping through the bills. "Elric

ens when he realizes I'm just

're already gone, livin

ying with fire, Kane. Elric isn't some fool you can man

hing Amara's got some

"I'm not some pawn in

"You're the queen. And queens m

palpable. Selena's jaw tig

-

a dress she had made for herself-a simple but elegant design that hid her modest background. She carri

tify potential escape routes, and gather any information that could

ring her with compliments. For a moment, she forgot about Kane's plan and allo

en she overheard two women wh

of them asked, g

ther replied with a sneer. "Elric

excused herself and slipped into the garde

his expression softenin

on't let their words get to

asked bitterly. "That

brushing hers. "You belong

she thought of Kane, waiting for her to report b

ne, full of lies and betrayal. And she was no lon