Kael stood silently for a moment, studying the two of them carefully.
His presence alone made the air feel heavy with power.
Aarohi instinctively stepped closer to Arion.
"Who is he?" she whispered.
"He's the royal guardian of Lunaris," Arion replied quietly.
"That means trouble."
Kael slowly walked toward them.
"Prince Arion," he said firmly, "the queen demands your immediate return."
Arion crossed his arms.
"I expected that."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Then you also know the consequences of refusing."
"I do."
A tense silence filled the forest.
Aarohi looked between the two of them nervously.
"What is happening?" she asked.
Arion took a deep breath.
"Kael has come to take me back to Lunaris."
The words felt like a sudden blow to Aarohi's heart.
"You mean… you're leaving?"
Before Arion could answer, Kael spoke.
"He has no choice."
Arion turned toward the guardian.
"I'm not going back yet."
Kael's expression hardened.
"You have already broken one sacred law. Do not force me to bring you back by force."
A faint glow of magic began forming around Kael's hands.
Aarohi could feel the energy vibrating in the air.
Arion stepped forward protectively.
"I will return to Lunaris," he said firmly.
"But on my own terms."
Kael studied him for a long moment.
"And what terms would those be?"
Arion glanced at Aarohi.
"She comes with me."
The guardian looked genuinely surprised.
"A human in Lunaris? That has never happened."
Arion didn't move.
"Then it will happen now."
Kael remained silent for several seconds.
Finally he spoke.
"I cannot allow that decision."
With a single motion, he opened another glowing portal.
"You will return with me tonight."
Arion clenched his fists.
And Aarohi realized that their peaceful days were over.