Scene 1 : The Breaking Point
The rain fell harder, blurring the edges of the clearing into smears of shadow and silver. Kael could barely see more than a few feet ahead, but he didn't need to. The danger wasn't out in the trees anymore—it was standing right beside him.
Aaron's chest heaved as he hugged his arms around himself, his face pale in the flickering lightning. Elena's hand hovered near the hilt of her sword, her jaw tight, her eyes locked on Aaron like she was studying an enemy, not an ally.
Kael swallowed hard, forcing the words past the tightness in his throat. "This isn't us. We don't… we don't tear each other apart."
Elena snapped her gaze toward him, her voice sharp. "Then tell me why, Kael. Why did he keep this from us? Why now? Why only when it's too late?"
Aaron flinched. His voice cracked. "Because I was scared! Because I thought you'd hate me for it! And now… now you do."
