Aria turned to walk away…
A devilish smile formed on her face.
She opened her mouth to whisper, "Open porto."
But before she could finish, something surged from her shadow—fast and violent.
Pride emerged.
Before she could finish, his hand clamped over her mouth, silencing her mid-word. With the other, he yanked her in close, holding her tightly.
She gasped, her word muffled. Eyes wide.
She froze. Not from fear, but instinct—like her body knew something was off. His touch burned. It felt hollow and unnatural.
Her eyes widened in horror.
From the shadow, a throne rose—silent and immense.
Kael sat still, elbow on the armrest, cheek pressed into his knuckles—like a king who'd waited far too long to pass judgment.
His eyes…
Sharp.
Burning with quiet rage.
He didn't speak.
He just stared at her.
The air felt wrong—thick, still… like it was holding its breath.
"How?" she murmured, barely audible. Her voice cracked, trembling.
