Nerina's POV
Thorne's laughter danced like sunlight over the water—bright, warm, and dangerously inviting.
He stood close, too close, his hand brushing my arm as he spoke about the sea dragons of the western currents. I should've pulled away. I didn't. There was something about him—something wild and free—that stirred the storm in my chest.
"Your eyes," he murmured, "they change when you're near the sea. Almost like they remember something your mind hasn't caught up to yet."
I opened my mouth to respond, heart pounding in confusion and curiosity… and that's when I felt it.
A hand wrapped tightly around mine.
Firm. Commanding.
"Queen Elowen wishes to speak with you," Kaelen's voice cut sharply through the moment.
I turned, startled. His jaw was clenched, his golden eyes stormy, locked not on me—but on Thorne. The warmth of Thorne's presence faltered as Kaelen pulled me away without another word.
My pulse raced as I stumbled alongside him, heat surging where our hands touched. His grip was tight—almost angry—but not painful. Possessive.
"Kaelen—"
"She didn't call for you," he snapped.
I halted. "What?"
He turned to face me in the narrow coral path that led toward the castle. The waves beyond us crashed with intensity, mirroring the tension between us.
"She didn't summon you," he admitted, voice low. "I did."
I blinked, confused. "Why lie then? Why—"
"Because you need to stay away from Thorne," he growled, stepping closer. "He's dangerous."
I narrowed my eyes. "You don't get to decide who I speak to."
"I'm bound to you," he said suddenly, the words like a weight dropped into a still pool. "By prophecy. By oath. My life is yours to protect. My soul is tied to yours."
My breath hitched.
His hand still held mine, tighter now. His gaze dropped to my lips.
"I don't like seeing anyone near you," he admitted, voice rough. "Especially him."
My heart thundered.
We stood there, inches apart. The air between us charged, magnetic.
I could feel his breath on my skin.
His fingers brushed my cheek gently.
And for a moment… I thought he might kiss me.
But he didn't.
Instead, he stepped back, jaw tense, and turned toward the castle.
"Come on," he said softly. "You still have training."
And just like that… the storm receded—but not the ache it left behind.