When Kael disappeared behind the dark corridor, the Forbidden Wing fell silent.
Too quiet.
Aria pressed her trembling hands against the cold floor.
Her mark pulsed hot beneath her skin, angry, wild, and desperate.
Ezren carefully observed her.
"You shouldn't be kneeling on the ground," he stated softly. "You will freeze."
Aria did not look up.
"They took him because of me."
Ezren exhaled.
"I won't lie to you: your presence triggered all of this."
Aria tensed.
"But," Ezren continued, "Kael chose to protect you; he always takes the dangerous path."
Aria raised her teary eyes to him.
"Why would he risk everything for me?"
Ezren cocked his head slightly.
"You still do not understand, do you?"
Aria blinked back tears. "You understand what?"
Ezren approached, lowering his voice.
"My brother is not like other demons. He feels deeper and harder. When he chooses someone, he chooses with his entire being."
Aria's breath stopped.
Ezren proceeded:
"And you are the first person he has ever chosen."
Her heart thumped painfully.
Aria wiped away her tears, but they kept falling.
"I have to go to him," she whispered.
"I need to see if he is okay."
Ezren raised his eyebrow.
"What are you going to do if the council attacks you? Cry at them until they apologize?"
Aria scowled through her tears.
"Do not mock me."
Ezren did smile.
"A little fire is good."
He took a step closer to examine the glowing mark creeping up her collarbone.
"Your mark is restless, responding to your emotions and Kael's pain."
Aria gave a gasp. "Is he in pain?"
Ezren gave a nod.
"Your bond is synchronized; when he suffers, your mark reacts, and when you suffer, his flames respond."
Aria panicked and grabbed his sleeve.
"Ezren, where have they taken him?!"
Ezren finally became serious.
"Go to the Hall of Chains."
Aria felt her blood freezing.
"Hall of Chains? What is that?"
Ezren breathed out slowly.
"It is where traitors and dangerous demons are bound, including royals and princes."
Aria's eyes widened with horror.
"They'll hurt him because of me."
Ezren didn't respond—
This was a complete answer in itself.
Aria stood up, unsteadily.
"I am going to him."
Ezren was blocking her path.
"No, you're not."
Aria's voice crackled.
"Move!"
Ezren did not move.
"Aria, you don't understand. The Hall of Chains is filled with ancient magic, and if you approach it with your mark reacting like this, the entire palace may collapse."
Aria clutched her fists.
"I do not care."
Ezren stared at her for a long time.
He then smirked slightly.
"You're stubborn, just like him."
Aria gave a glare. "Move, Ezren!"
Ezren's expression softened—rarely seen.
"...you genuinely care for him."
Aria's voice quivered.
"I am scared for him."
Ezren looked away, almost uncomfortable.
"Okay, I can help you get close."
Aria's breath stopped.
"But," Ezren said sharply, "I'm not helping you break him out; I'm just showing you what they're doing."
Aria grasped his hand.
Thank you.
Ezren froze—as if no one had ever held his hand before.
He cleared his throat rapidly.
"Do not touch me."
Aria smiled faintly, despite her tears.
---
Path to the Hall of Chains
Ezren led her down dark tunnels beneath the palace.
"If you don't take precautions, the council will detect your mark," Ezren warned.
"Calm your mind."
Aria tried —
But her heart continued to race.
What if Kael felt pain?
What if the chains hurt him?
What if—?
Her mark pulsated violently.
Ezren paused.
"Aria," he remarked sharply, "you're thinking too much. Control yourself."
"I—I cannot—"
Ezren grasped her shoulders.
"Listen to me," he stated firmly.
"If Kael senses your panic, it will worsen his punishment."
Aria went completely still.
Ezren reduced his voice.
"The bond functions in both directions."
Aria inhaled quickly.
She closed her eyes and forced her heartbeat to slow.
Her mark dimmed slightly.
Ezren gave a nod, impressed.
"Good, come."
They made another move.
Finally, they arrived at a circular hall filled with shimmering barriers and glowing chains suspended in midair.
Aria gave a gasp.
Inside the barriers—
Kael.
Bound by pure magical chains.
His flames were suppressed.
His body was limp and shivering.
Blood dripped down his arms.
Aria pushed her hand against the invisible barrier.
"Kael, Kael—!"
Kael's eyes flickered open slightly.
When he saw her —
His entire expression crumbled.
"Aria…"
Aria burst into tears.
Kael struggled with the chains, the metal burning his skin, but he kept looking at her.
"Why did you come?" he whispered.
"Because you are hurting!" Aria exclaimed.
"Because they're hurting you, and I can't stay away—"
Kael's lips curved into a faint smile.
"You should not be here. You are in danger..."
Aria pressed her forehead against the barrier.
"Allow me in."
Kael shook his head frantically.
"No... please... stay back. These chains destroy demon energy—and your mark is made of them."
Ezren took a step forward.
"He is correct. Aria, if you touch that barrier, your mark will burn."
Aria disregarded him.
"Kael, tell me what to do. Tell me how I can help."
Kael closed his eyes and his voice broke.
"I just want to stay alive and safe."
Aria sobbed more.
Ezren observed silently—
But even he appeared shaken.
Kael opened his eyes again, looking at her with pain and longing.
"I'll get through this," he whispered.
Aria nodded furiously.
"I'm sure you will."
Kael gave a weak smile.
"Because... you gave me something to live for."
Aria felt her heart crack and heal simultaneously.
Ezren finally came forward.
"Aria, time is up. They're coming."
Aria wiped away tears.
But before she exited the hall—
Her mark erupted violently.
A pulse of red light spread throughout the room.
—and every chain on Kael rattled, as if in response to her.
Ezren's gaze widened.
"…Oh no."
Aria gave a gasp. "What is happening?!"
Ezren whispered.
"Your bond...is attempting to break his chains."
Kael's eyes widened with terror.
"Aria, RUN before it triggers—"
Unfortunately, it was too late.
The complete Hall of Chains
The entire area was illuminated with a bright red light.