The guards' footsteps thundered down the garden path like an approaching storm. Liora's breath caught as Kael's eyes locked with hers—sharp, assessing, and filled with something more dangerous than fear.
"Stay behind me," he ordered without taking his eyes off the dark treeline.
Liora's heart hammered in her chest, but she didn't flinch. "I won't run," she whispered.
Kael's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue.
...
The pavilion doors burst open as the captain of the guard stumbled inside, pale and sweating. "Highness! The intruder… the masked figure… it's near the servants' quarters!"
Kael's eyes darkened. He rose with a smooth precision that made him look more like a predator than a prince.
"I'll handle it," he said, his voice low but resolute.
Liora's fingers twitched at the edge of her cloak.
"Wait," she breathed, before she could stop herself.
His eyes snapped to hers—startled, almost grateful.
...
"You don't need to prove yourself tonight," she said softly.
His expression flickered, unreadable for a heartbeat—then softened. For a fleeting moment, the mask of control slipped, revealing something raw.
"Do you fear for me?" he asked quietly.
The question hit her like an arrow. Her lips parted, but no words came.
...
A tense silence fell between them. The distant sounds of clashing steel grew louder.
"I should go," he whispered at last.
"Be careful," she replied, surprising herself with the tremor in her voice.
Kael's eyes lingered on hers—searching, weighing, as if memorizing her face before stepping into danger.
...
The guards swept past them, torches blazing, while Kael strode toward the unknown threat without looking back.
Liora sat frozen, hands clenched tightly in her lap. Her chest heaved, torn between fear, anger, and… something she dared not name.
Why does it matter if he survives?
Why does his danger feel like it's pulling me closer?
Why does my heart betray me?
...
A servant rushed into the pavilion, breathless. "Milady… the masked intruder has vanished!"
Kael didn't return with the guards.
Liora's stomach twisted.