Lira held her chest with both hands. Her breathing was weak, and the silver-black glow on her skin slowly faded. Kael stayed beside her, watching every small movement she made.
"Lira… talk to me," Kael said softly.
"I'm okay," she whispered.
But she wasn't.
Her hands were shaking too much. Her skin felt cold. Her heartbeat was uneven. Kael placed his palm on her forehead.
"You're burning," he said. "Your body is fighting my shadow power."
Lira tried to smile. "I'm not scared."
Kael looked away. "You should be."
She reached out and held his arm. "Kael, stop blaming yourself."
Before he could answer, Lira suddenly winced in pain. She curled forward, grabbing her stomach.
Kael's eyes widened. "Lira!"
A dark light flickered under her skin again, like something was moving inside her. She gasped and shook her head.
"I feel… like something is pulling at my magic," she whispered. "Like it wants more."
Kael clenched his fists. "The bond is growing too fast. Your body isn't ready."
Lira looked at him, fear in her eyes. "Will it kill me?"
Kael froze.
He didn't want to lie.
"…If we don't fix it, yes," he said quietly.
Lira lowered her head, tears forming.
Kael grabbed her shoulders gently. "I won't let that happen. I swear."
She nodded, trying to be strong.
Kael looked toward the forest where the assassins ran.
"They're not done. They'll report to the Emperor."
"We don't have time," Lira whispered.
"No. So we move."
Kael lifted her carefully. She wrapped her arms around his neck for balance. He felt her shaking, but she still tried to smile at him.
"I can walk," she said softly.
"No," Kael replied. "You rest."
He carried her out of the broken mountain path. The forest around them was dark, but quiet. Too quiet.
A soft sound came from Lira's chest.
Not a heartbeat—something else.
A faint, slow pulse of shadow-light.
Kael felt it too.
The bond was alive.
And growing.
Suddenly, Lira's eyes widened with fear.
"Kael… I can feel someone else."
Kael stopped walking. "Where?"
Lira pointed weakly to the trees.
"There… far away… a very strong presence. It's watching."
Kael slowly turned his head toward the forest.
And in the distance, hidden behind the trees, a tall figure stood perfectly still.
Watching them.
Waiting.