The ravine fell silent at the shard's tremor fading as Kael and Liora stood amidst the scattered rocks, the morning air heavy with dust. Kael's keen eyes caught Liora's faltering steps, her secrecy about the vision gnawing at him. "What aren't you telling me?" he demanded, his voice rough with concern as he turned to face her.
Liora's silver eyes flickered, her hand tightening on her dagger. "It's nothing, Kael. Focus on Veyra," she snapped, avoiding his gaze. The lie hung between them, igniting a heated argument. "You think I can't handle the truth?" he growled, stepping closer. "We're past that!"
Her frustration boiled over. "And if it's something I can't fix? You'd charge in anyway!" The words cut deep, her fear for him clashing with her pride. Before they could resolve it, a Shadow Council ambush erupted—arrows rained down, and warriors closed in. Kael swung his broadsword, deflecting a strike, but a blade grazed his side, dropping him to one knee.
Liora fought fiercely, her daggers a blur, but the attackers overwhelmed them, dragging her away as Kael struggled to rise. "Liora!" he shouted, his voice raw with desperation, the distance between them growing. The ambush shattered their trust, leaving Kael wounded and alone, his fear for her mingling with the sting of her withheld secret.