Sunlight crept gently over the forest canopy, golden and slow, filtering through the worn canvas of their makeshift tent. The warmth it brought was soft — nothing like the fire that had burned between them the night before.
Kael woke first.
He didn't move.
Lyra lay curled against his chest, her cheek resting over the slow, steady beat of his heart. Her arm was flung across his waist, one leg tangled with his. And the bond between them pulsed with quiet magic.
Content.
Balanced.
For the first time in years, Kael wasn't on edge.
He wasn't waiting for the next ambush.
He wasn't pretending not to feel.
He was home — wherever she was.
Lyra stirred moments later, groggy and warm. Her voice was a sleepy whisper.
"You're staring."
Kael smirked faintly. "Get used to it."
She opened one eye, brow arched. "Cocky this early?"
He rolled onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow. "You kissed me first, remember?"
"I also threatened to punch you first. Balance, Kael."
He laughed, low and real. It echoed in her chest.
And gods, it was beautiful.
But then the silence settled again. The sweet kind, just for a moment.
And Lyra's gaze softened.
"Was that real last night?" she asked.
Kael's smile faded — not with regret, but with weight.
"Yes. Every second."
She nodded slowly. "Even the fire that nearly melted our camp?"
He chuckled. "Especially that."
Lyra exhaled through a soft laugh, but her fingers played nervously at the edge of the blanket.
"I've never let anyone in like that."
"I know."
"And I don't know what comes next."
Kael leaned in, brushing his lips to her forehead.
"We take the next step. Together. One breath at a time."
Later, they packed in companionable silence. Every glance between them was different now — heavier, but warmer.
Still, Lyra was the first to break it.
"Just so we're clear, last night doesn't mean I'll stop mocking your brooding face."
Kael's smirk returned. "And I won't stop pulling you into danger."
"Fantastic. We're doomed."
She smiled as she slung her pack over her shoulder.
But inside, her heart was steadier than it had ever been.
They left the forest behind by midday, stepping into an open ridge that overlooked the Wraithlands.
Kael paused.
His hand found hers without looking.
"We'll be hunted from this point on," he said quietly.
"I know."
"Still want to be mine?"
She squeezed his hand.
"Always."
And together, they walked into the next storm.