The first rays of dawn painted the Moonwood in shades of gold and silver. Aeloria's eyes fluttered open, her wrist throbbing faintly where the mark glowed. The memory of last night—the sudden chase, Kael's protective presence—made her heart race even now.
Kael was already awake, crouched near the grove's edge, scanning the treeline. His dark hair was damp with dew, and his eyes, normally guarded, softened as he noticed her stirring.
"You slept well?" he asked, his voice low, careful.
Aeloria blinked at him. "I… I guess so."
He offered a hand, and she took it, feeling that strange warmth again. Their fingers brushed, and the glow on their marks pulsed lightly. It was almost as if the magic itself approved of their connection.
"Come on," Kael said, standing. "We have to move before the scouts find this place."
They walked in silence, weaving through thick trees and tangled vines. The forest grew denser, and shadows seemed to stretch unnaturally, yet Kael moved with a confidence that made Aeloria cling to him—not just for protection, but for guidance.
After a while, curiosity got the better of her. "Kael… why do you serve the Queen? Doesn't she… frighten you?"
He stopped, looking at her with those piercing eyes. "I don't serve her. I swore to protect the Moonbound. That oath is older than any queen, older than the Shadow Realm itself. And you… you are the Moonbound."
The title made her chest tighten. "Moonbound… it sounds so… important."
"It is," Kael said softly. "And dangerous. Every power has its price. Yours is that everyone who seeks it will come after you."
Aeloria shivered. "Even… you?"
Kael paused. His expression softened, but he didn't answer immediately. Finally, he said, "I'm here for you. Always."
The words were quiet, but they carried weight. Aeloria felt a warmth she couldn't explain, a fluttering that made her cheeks heat. She looked away, pretending to check the path ahead.
The journey continued until they reached a cliffside overlooking a valley bathed in morning mist. Below, a small river wound through the forest, shimmering like liquid silver. Kael motioned her to sit beside him.
"This is one of the hidden paths," he explained. "No one travels here unless they know the way. From here, we can reach the safe haven."
Aeloria followed his gaze, her fingers brushing the smooth stone beside her. "It's… beautiful," she whispered.
Kael's eyes flicked toward her. "Yes. But beauty can be dangerous. Never forget that."
A silence settled over them, not uncomfortable, but heavy with unspoken words. Aeloria felt the urge to ask something—anything—but Kael's watchful presence kept her from speaking. Instead, she let the quiet stretch, feeling closer to him than she had in hours.
Finally, as the sun rose higher, Kael stood. "We need to move. Stay close."
Aeloria nodded, rising to her feet. As they continued down the hidden path, their fingers brushed again—accidental, but lingering just a second longer than necessary. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest.
Kael didn't pull away. Not yet.
And in that fleeting moment, Aeloria realized: she was beginning to trust him. Completely.