POV: Kairo
She didn't open the door.
Not last night.
Not this morning.
Not even when I knocked three times, the way I always did — the way she once smiled at.
I could feel her inside. Awake. Sitting in the dark.
She was avoiding me.
And the worst part?
I didn't blame her.
Something was shifting between us. It had been for days. But now the weight of it pressed down on me like a storm about to break.
I wanted to give her space.
But I didn't have time.
Because the Council was moving.
Rhea found me in the war hall.
Her expression was unreadable, arms crossed over her chest like a warning. "They're calling the vote," she said. "Two days."
The world stilled.
"On what grounds?" I asked, though I already knew.
"Unregistered power manifestation. Suspected prophecy linkage. Breach of internal magic containment."
"She hasn't hurt anyone."
"They don't care."
Rhea stepped closer. "They're afraid she will. And fear always votes yes."
I turned away before the rage could show on my face. My hands gripped the stone table so hard it cracked.
"She's not the threat," I growled.
"She is if you lose her."
I met Rhea's eyes, and for once, I didn't see rivalry. I saw warning. Regret. Maybe even… sorrow.
"She's not ready," I said. "Not for a trial. Not for a decision like this."
"You think the Council's going to ask her opinion?"
"She deserves the chance to fight back."
"Then you'd better teach her how to win in two days," Rhea said, turning. "Because they've already chosen their side."
And they were betting I'd be too blinded by love to stop them.
After she left, I stood in the silence for a long time.
My wolf stirred inside me, restless.
Go to her, he growled.
But I didn't move.
Because I didn't know what I'd find on the other side of that door anymore.
Did she still see me as her protector?
Or as the enemy in her dreams?
When I finally climbed the tower, I didn't knock. I opened the door gently.
She was still on the floor — same spot as the night before. Eyes hollow. Face pale.
The stone lay untouched beside her.
"You saw something," I said.
She looked up at me, and in that moment, I saw the truth written in her expression.
Fear.
Of me.
"Tell me," I begged.
Her voice was hoarse. "I saw you. But not… you. You hunted me. Your eyes were red."
I felt it like a blade.
And still, I went to her.
I knelt beside her and took her hand, even though she didn't reach back.
"That's not who I am."
"Not yet," she whispered. "But what if the power changes me — and you have to stop me?"
"I won't."
"You might have to."
I looked into her eyes, firelight flickering in both our irises.
And said the one thing I'd never admitted out loud.
"Then I'd rather burn with you… than against you."
Her breath caught.
And for the first time in days, she touched me.
Not out of fear.
But something closer to hope.
Even if it came too late.
Because the Council was coming.
And I couldn't protect her from what I couldn't see coming next.