POV: Kael 🌒🗡️
Kael had always believed in staying sharp, staying distant. You don't survive war by letting your heart lead the charge.
But lately… his instincts were failing him.
It started as a thread. Something small. A glance. A laugh. A flame curling around Ariya's fingers that lit more than just the air.
Now it was a weight in his chest every time she stepped into danger.Or smiled at Jax's stupid jokes.Or went quiet when no one noticed — except him.
She stood by the sanctuary pool that morning, firelight brushing across her face, the dagger gleaming on her hip. Her shoulders were tense, like she was bracing for something she wouldn't say out loud.
He knew that look. He wore it too often himself.
"Didn't sleep again," he said softly.
Ariya didn't jump. She never did anymore when he approached.
"Nightmares. Visions. Whatever they are," she said, gaze still fixed on the water. "They won't stop."
Kael stepped closer, keeping his voice calm. "We've got your back. You're not alone."
"I know," she whispered. "But the fire… it's changing. And now that second mark—his mark—it feels like it's watching me."
Kael clenched his fists. If he could rip that sigil off her skin with his bare hands, he would.
"Ruvan won't touch you. Not while I'm breathing."
She finally looked at him.
And something in her eyes made the world slow down.
Kael didn't believe in fate. But he believed in choices.
And every time Ariya got back up, every time she reached out when others would shut down — she reminded him what those choices were worth.
He was trained to be her protector. Her sword. Her shield.
But now…
He wanted to be more than just the one who stood in front of her.
He wanted to be the one she turned to.
Later, during sparring, Jax cracked a joke that made her laugh — loud, honest, unguarded. That sound hit Kael harder than any blade ever had.
And when she clutched her ribs and called Jax "a walking storm cloud with legs," Kael couldn't help it. He smiled too.
But deep down… a flicker of something burned.
It wasn't just protectiveness anymore.
It was want.
Not just for her safety — for her trust. Her truth. Her fire.
And even though he tried to bury it beneath discipline and duty… it was rising.
Just like her flame.
Far away, in a hall of frost and obsidian, Ruvan stood before the mirror again.
This time, when he reached for her reflection… it shimmered. But someone else was standing beside her.
Kael.
Close. Watching her like she was everything.
Ruvan's jaw tightened.
"So… the shadow knight thinks he can protect her."
The Shard pulsed faintly, and Ruvan's eyes narrowed.
"Let him try."
The jealousy was quiet now. A cold whisper in his veins.
But it was growing.