The assassins moved back a little, watching Lira with fear.
Her hands were glowing with silver and black mixed together. Small dark lines showed under her skin, moving slowly like living threads.
Lira looked shaken. "Kael… I don't know what's happening to me."
Kael stepped closer, checking her face and hands. His voice was low but worried.
"This should not be possible. My shadows are inside you. They shouldn't be."
"But they are," she whispered.
Kael clenched his jaw. He hated seeing her like this.
If his darkness hurt her, he would never forgive himself.
An assassin used that moment to attack.
He rushed forward with his black blade raised high.
Kael grabbed Lira's waist and pulled her back.
The blade cut through the air where she stood a moment ago.
Lira lifted her glowing hand without thinking. A silver-black wave shot out and hit the assassin in the chest.
He flew across the rocks and didn't move again.
Lira stared at her hand. "Kael… I didn't mean to do that."
Kael placed his hand on her shoulder gently.
"You're not doing it alone. The bond reacts for both of us now."
More assassins stepped in, trying to circle them.
Kael pulled Lira closer. "Stay with me. Don't lose control."
She nodded, but her legs were shaking.
One assassin threw a knife.
Kael blocked with his arm, blood spilling.
Lira cried out and touched her own arm. She felt the pain too.
Kael's eyes hardened. "I can't fight normally like this. If I get hurt, you get hurt."
Another assassin charged at Lira.
Kael pushed forward and punched him back, his shadows rising again.
Lira's light rose too.
Their powers mixed again without warning.
A sudden burst shot from both of them.
It knocked all assassins backward at the same time, throwing them to the mountain floor.
The few who could still stand looked terrified.
One of them shouted:
"RETREAT! RETREAT!"
They ran, disappearing into the forest.
Kael waited, breathing heavily, making sure none returned.
Then he turned to Lira.
She was on her knees, breathing hard, clutching her chest.
Her hands still glowed faintly.
"Kael… I can feel your shadow inside my heart."
Kael knelt beside her, panic in his eyes.
"Lira… this bond is changing you too fast. I don't know if your body can handle it."
She looked up at him, scared but calm.
"Kael… am I turning into something like you?"
Kael held her face gently with both hands.
"I won't let that happen. I promise."
But inside…
He wasn't sure he could stop it.