The camp was quiet after dark — fires low, voices hushed.
Miko and Kael were given a small tent at the edge — canvas walls, two cots, a lantern.
Kael lay on his cot — eyes closed, breathing steady.
Miko sat on hers — knees drawn up, watching him.
The seal was quiet — but she felt it watching.
She spoke — soft.
"You're awake."
Kael opened his eyes.
"How did you know?"
"You breathe different when you're faking sleep."
Kael's lips twitched — almost a smile.
"You're learning."
Miko looked away.
"I'm scared."
Kael sat up — slowly.
"Of what?"
"Of tomorrow.
Of what they want me to do."
Kael moved — sat beside her on her cot.
The space between them was small.
He didn't touch her.
But he was close enough she could feel his warmth.
"You don't have to do anything you don't want."
Miko laughed — quiet.
"They think I can balance it.
They think I can stop it."
Kael's voice was low.
"Do you think you can?"
Miko looked at him.
"I think… if I try… I might lose myself faster."
Kael was silent.
Then he said:
"Then don't try."
Miko stared.
"What?"
"Don't balance it.
Don't fight it.
Use it.
Control it.
Make it yours."
Miko felt cold.
"That's what Lirien tried."
"No.
Lirien tried to be friends with it.
You can make it obey."
Miko looked down.
"I don't know how."
Kael reached out — slow — took her hand.
"You already are."
Miko looked at their joined hands.
The seal pulsed — once, warm.
Stay.
She squeezed his hand.
"I don't want to hurt you."
Kael's grip tightened.
"You won't."
Miko met his eyes.
"How can you be sure?"
"Because I'm not letting you."
Miko felt something break inside her — not painful.
Relief.
She leaned forward — forehead against his shoulder.
Kael froze — then relaxed.
His arm came around her — careful, gentle.
They stayed like that.
The seal stayed quiet.
For the first time — Miko felt like it was listening.
Not commanding.
Just… listening.
To be continued…