What in the Soap Opera Is This?

Elvira

The moment I opened my eyes, the dull ache was already blooming behind my temples. It pulsed like a warning drum, steady and slow, thudding in sync with my heartbeat. I groaned softly, pressing my fingers to my forehead, willing the pain to ease, but it was stubborn—as always. My headache had become a persistent guest these days, one that arrived uninvited and never stayed too long, but always left me rattled.

Pack Tower felt unusually quiet this morning, despite the undercurrent of tension that had been lingering for weeks now. I threw on a light robe, my feet brushing against the...