Midnight cloaked the Faelwinter estate in pale frost and silence.
Kael sat in a high-backed chair by the balcony window, his long white hair spilling over one shoulder like moonlight poured from the heavens. His new body was strange—too perfect, too still—but his mind was sharp, humming with quiet thought.
His mother hadn't left his side until she was sure he was asleep.
He only pretended.
The moment the estate settled into silence, he opened his eyes.
She would come tonight.
Iris Veyla.
In the original story, she was sent to kill Kael—a quiet assassination meant to tie up a loose end. Afterward, she'd cross paths with Ravian Arklen, who would save her, melt her cold heart, and eventually form a powerful soul bond with her.
But the story had already changed.
And Kael was ready.
A faint whisper of pressure touched the air.
She was good. Almost perfect.
But not good enough.
Kael didn't move as the shadow slipped in through the far wall—just a blink, a shimmer, and there she stood.
Dressed in tight black assassin gear, violet eyes gleaming through a slit in her mask, and twin daggers glinting at her sides.
She moved like smoke—soundless, graceful, lethal.
Her blade touched his neck.
"You're not supposed to be awake."
Kael exhaled softly. "You're late."
The blade pressed harder. "You weren't supposed to speak either."
His lips curved.
[Bond Link System: Target proximity detected.]
[Potential Bond Candidate: Iris Veyla – Class A Assassin]
[Affinity: Shadow (SS)]
[Talent: Assassin's Pulse (SS)]
[Checking Affection Value…]
[Affection Detected: 14% — Curiosity. No intent to kill. Emotional conflict detected.]
[Bond Possibility: Low, but viable.]
Kael stayed perfectly still. His calm was real, his strategy clearer than ever.
"You're not here to kill me," he whispered. "You're here because something made you hesitate."
She stiffened.
"How did—?"
"I'm not him," Kael said. "I know what it's like to be used, lied to, sent to die. But you… you don't want to follow orders anymore, do you?"
Her expression cracked for a second—just a second. Then the mask slipped back into place.
"I was told you were pathetic."
"They weren't wrong," he replied. "But they were too early."
Silence.
She didn't move. Neither did he.
[Bond Compatibility Rising… Affection 14% → 21%]
[System Notification: A moment of emotional vulnerability detected.]
He stood slowly and stepped closer—not dominating, not threatening.
Just close enough for her to feel the stillness in him. The absence of fear.
Kael extended his hand. Palm open. Nothing in it but a quiet invitation.
"You don't have to walk in the dark alone, Iris."
She stared at him.
[Affection 21% → 29%]
[Threshold reached: Bond Initiation Available.]
[Do you wish to initiate bond silently? This action will not alert the target.]
[Yes / No]
"Yes."
[Bond Link Initiated.]
[Iris Veyla's Affection: 29%]
[Shadow Affinity (SS) copied → purified to Shadow Affinity (SSS)]
[Talent copied: Assassin's Pulse (SS) → Assassin's Grace (SSS)]
[New Passive Gained: Silent Steps – Reduces all presence within 10 meters.]
[Mana Sync Efficiency increased by 300%.]
Kael inhaled sharply as the energy settled.
It was warm. Quiet. Like slipping into cold water that didn't bite, but welcomed.
Iris blinked suddenly.
She touched her chest. Her breath hitched. She looked… dizzy.
"What… what did you do?"
Kael's expression remained calm. "Nothing you'll understand yet."
She frowned. "My mana… it's behaving strangely."
"It's resonating," Kael replied. "With mine."
She stared at him.
For the first time, the dagger lowered. Just a little.
[Affection: 29% → 34%]
"Sleep, Iris," Kael said softly. "You'll return tomorrow. Not as an enemy. But as someone who wants to know what this feeling is."
Iris hesitated, then disappeared into shadow.
And Kael turned back toward the window, white hair brushing his shoulder as the system faded.
One bond formed.
The game has begun.
They still think I'm weak. Let them.
Because once I reach 100%… I won't need to hide anymore.