Flashback

Elara watched as Amara awkwardly shuffled around the room, clearly trying to keep her composure. When Amara muttered something about needing a shower, Elara just nodded, half-tempted to make some sarcastic remark but too distracted by her own thoughts.

She barely paid attention as Amara grabbed her things and headed into the bathroom. Instead, Elara's mind began to drift back to a time she wished she could forget, but never could.

A time that didn't exist anymore.

Or at least, not in this timeline.

Flashback

Elara stood on stage, her knees wobbling beneath her. The spotlight was blinding, and the murmurs of the crowd below grew louder. They weren't murmurs of praise, though. No, this was something much crueler.

Amara Lyselle stood a few feet away, smirking in all her glory. She looked radiant, powerful, and utterly untouchable, while Elara felt like a mouse in front of a lion.