Kael followed the Seer through the dark forest, carrying Lira in his arms.
She felt lighter than before. Too light.
Her skin was warm, and her breathing slow and uneven.
Kael kept checking her face every few minutes.
"Stay awake," he whispered.
"I'm trying…" Lira said softly, her voice weak.
The Seer walked ahead without making a sound. His long robe brushed the ground, but nothing around him moved. No leaves shook. No branches snapped.
Kael didn't trust him, but he had no choice. Lira needed help.
"How far is this safe place?" Kael asked.
"Not far," the Seer replied. "But you must stay quiet. The Blood Oath Knights are already moving."
Lira tightened her grip on Kael's shirt.
"Kael… those knights… are they strong?"
Kael didn't want to scare her, but he also would not lie.
"They are the strongest soldiers in the Empire. They don't stop until their target is dead."
Lira swallowed hard. "Then we can't fight them now…"
Kael looked at her gently. "We won't. Not until you're better."
Suddenly, Lira gasped.
A sharp pulse ran through her chest—Kael felt it too, like something inside the bond was pulling them both.
Kael stopped walking.
"Lira, what's wrong?"
She took a shaky breath. "It's the bond. It keeps growing… like it wants more power…"
Kael's eyes darkened.
"We need to reach that safe place now."
The Seer turned to look at them.
"Her condition is worse than I expected," he said. "If we don't stabilize the bond soon, she will lose control of both powers."
Kael stepped forward, angry.
"Then hurry!"
The Seer raised a hand calmly.
"We're here."
Kael looked around.
They stood in front of an old stone archway covered in vines. The air around it felt cold but calm, like the wind was holding its breath.
"What is this place?" Kael asked.
"A Sanctuary," the Seer said. "An ancient ground where shadow and light can exist together."
Lira looked confused. "But… why is it hidden?"
The Seer slowly touched the stone arch.
"Because this place is forbidden. And because your bond is something the world has not seen in hundreds of years."
Kael tightened his arms around Lira.
"And what do we do now?"
The Seer pointed toward the inside of the archway.
"Enter. Only the two of you. The Sanctuary will test the bond. If your connection is real… you will survive."
Lira looked scared.
Kael held her closer.
"Whatever happens," he said softly, "I won't let go."
Lira nodded.
Together, they stepped into the archway.
As soon as they crossed the threshold, a bright silver-black light rose from the ground—surrounding both of them.
The Sanctuary had awakened.
And the test had begun.