Chapter Seventy Five

Scarlett’s POV

Elara's gaze flickered with a mix of emotions—pain, fear, and a hint of resignation. She sighed heavily, the weight of her past settling upon her shoulders. "Scarlett, it's a long story. A story of choices and consequences, of alliances and betrayals."

My heart sank at her words, a knot forming in my stomach. I could sense the weight of the truth about to unfold, and I braced myself for what I was about to hear.

"Years ago," Elara began, her voice tinged with sadness, "I made a pact with Swiftclaw, In exchange for his protection, I vowed complete loyalty to him."

"I believed it was the only way to keep those I cared about safe," Elara continued, her voice filled with regret. "I thought I could navigate the treacherous web of Swiftclaw's world without any repercussions. But I was wrong."

She paused, her gaze distant as she relived painful memories. "When you arrived in my territory, seeking refuge, I couldn't turn you away. I knew the risks, the danger it posed to both o