The Cage Woven by Nobility
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From afar, House Velmira stood proud. Marble towers pierced the overcast skies like silent sentinels, their banners fluttering in a wind colder than memory. To the people, it was a symbol of honor and lineage. To Kael, it felt like a prison draped in luxury.
The gates loomed tall. Guards in silver armor stood motionless, their eyes hidden behind helms etched with the crest of a phoenix wrapped in chains.
Kael waited at the treeline, wrapped in a traveler's cloak. His injuries from the ambush still throbbed, but the fire in his chest burned brighter.
> "Lireen… are you truly here?" he whispered to himself.
But he wasn't alone.
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A shadow stepped beside him.
Young, blonde, noble uniform partially unbuttoned. A sly grin.
> "You're Kael, aren't you? About time."
Kael tensed. "Who are you?"
> "Name's Talin. Lireen's cousin. I was sent to retrieve you."
> "She's… she's here?"
Talin's smile faltered.
> "Not as you remember her."
Kael's heart dropped.
> "You'll see soon enough. But first, follow me. There's someone who wants to meet you."
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Inside the estate, everything smelled of incense and judgment.
Velmira nobles lined the hallways, their whispers trailing like invisible daggers.
"That's the outsider?"
"He doesn't look like a noble…"
"Why is he even allowed in here?"
Kael ignored them. Until he entered the council chamber.
There, on a high seat, sat Lady Eryndel Velmira Lireen's aunt and current head of the house.
Sharp eyes. Cold voice. And beside her… Lireen.
Her hair tied in noble fashion. Eyes dull. Expression unreadable.
Kael took a step forward. "Lireen…?"
She didn't move. Didn't speak. Didn't blink.
> "She cannot respond," said Lady Eryndel. "She has accepted her role."
Kael's voice cracked. "What role? This isn't her!"
The Lady stood.
> "She is Velmira's only heir. She will marry Lord Taven in three nights' time. You, outsider, are merely a ghost from her past. Be grateful we even let you in."
Kael clenched his fists. "She wouldn't want this."
> "And what she wants is no longer relevant."
Lireen's lips trembled. Just slightly. Her eyes… one flicker of something. Of pain. Of memory.
Talin placed a hand on Kael's shoulder.
> "Don't fight here. Not yet. There's more to this than politics."
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That night, Kael was locked in the guest quarters. He didn't sleep. Didn't eat.
He stared at the moon.
And prayed.
Not to gods. Not to fate.
But to Lireen.
> "Remember me… even if just for one night."
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🔹Chapter Highlight Teaser : Kael infiltrates House Velmira and reunites with Lireen only to find her emotionally shackled and betrothed to another. Surrounded by noble politics, Kael must navigate betrayal, family, and hidden loyalties before time runs out.
Next: Chapter 22 – "Letters Never Sent"
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📌 Teaser Recap:
> Kael infiltrates House Velmira and reunites with Lireen only to find her emotionally shackled and betrothed to another. Surrounded by noble politics, Kael must navigate betrayal, family, and hidden loyalties before time runs out.
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