Kael stood at the pavilion's entrance, armor cracked, a dark streak of blood at his temple. His eyes, once cold and distant, burned like a storm barely contained.
For a heartbeat, neither moved.
Liora's breath hitched. The sight of him—wounded, fierce, alive—sent a rush of conflicting emotions through her. Her chest tightened, her heart pounded harder than any drum.
He's hurt… and it's my fault for standing too close.
But before guilt could bloom, another feeling flared—a dangerous, aching tenderness she couldn't suppress.
...
"Are you…" she began, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm fine," he interrupted, though the tightness around his jaw betrayed the lie.
He took a step closer.
The space between them vanished.
Liora's fingers curled instinctively around the fabric of her gown. Her lips parted as if to speak, but Kael raised a hand—stopping her.
...
"Do not fear," he said softly, his eyes locked on hers with unnerving intensity. "You… saved me."
His words struck deeper than any touch.
The pavilion's flickering torchlight seemed to pulse with the rhythm of her heartbeat. She stared at him, breathless, caught between confession and denial.
...
"Why…?" she forced herself to ask. "Why do you say that?"
Kael's eyes darkened. He lowered his hand and stepped closer still, until the warmth of his presence blurred the boundary between restraint and desire.
"Because," he murmured, "I feel it."
..
The words hit her like a wave breaking against cliffs.
His gaze devoured her face, searching for answers in the depths of her soul. Her knees trembled, but she held herself upright.
Do you feel the same? Do you know what this means?
Her eyes shone with unshed tears, but she willed them back.
...
Outside the pavilion, a distant cry echoed through the night.
A guard's voice shouted, "Highness! The intruder has escaped through the lower gardens!"
Kael's body tensed like a drawn bow, but his eyes never left hers.
Duty. Desire. Which one would win?
...
Without warning, he reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from her cheek.
The simple gesture sent shockwaves through her body. Her eyes fluttered closed for a brief instant, surrendering to the warmth that bloomed between them.
When she opened them again, Kael was watching her with something far more vulnerable than anger.
Just as their faces hovered inches apart, the sound of running footsteps burst into the pavilion, and a young guard fell to his knees, gasping, "Milady… Highness… the masked figure has been seen entering the royal chambers… alone!"
Kael's eyes flared with fury—and desire—and he reached for his sword… but his hand lingered over Liora's wrist as if torn between protecting her and confronting his own heart.