Kael's jaw tightened. He exhaled slowly and was about to leave when Liana stood up.
"I'm coming with you," she said firmly.
Kael turned to her. "Liana—"
"No." She stepped closer. "I want to be there."
Kael stared at her for a moment and then sighed.
"I thought I made myself clear… we're getting married two weeks from now. Why are these elders interrupting everything?"
Liana's expression darkened.
She didn't know why—but something inside her was already warning her that trouble was coming.
Exactly what she feared for Kael… was happening.
Before Kael could say another word, another wolf burst into the room—breathing hard.
"Alpha! We… we have an unknown visitor. He cast a spell on everyone! If you don't come out now—none of us can move!"
Kael and Liana exchanged a sharp look.
They rushed out.
When they reached the hall, the air felt heavy, choked with magic.
The elders, guards, even the servants—were frozen in place, their bodies stiff like statues.
Standing in the middle of the hall was a tall, dark-clothed man, smirking like he owned the world.
"Wow…" he said slowly, eyes sweeping toward Liana.
"Look who we have here."
Beside him stood a woman—cold-eyed, wicked, dangerous. Her aura alone made the wolves' fur rise.
Kael stepped forward, voice harsh.
"Who are you?"
The man chuckled.
"Oh, I'm just here to say hello to my friend's son… is that a crime?"
Kael frowned hard.
"How do you know my father?"
The man didn't answer.
He smiled… and then vanished.
In less than a blink—
He appeared right in front of Liana.
Gasps echoed.
But before anyone could react—
Liana disappeared too.
Her body flashed like light—and suddenly she was behind the man, breathing fast, confused at what she just did.
The man froze, stunned.
He turned slowly.
"Well… well… who are you?" he asked her, voice dripping curiosity.
Liana didn't answer.
Her chest was rising and falling quickly—she didn't even understand how she moved like that.
Kael stepped in front of her instantly.
"Stay away from her."
The wicked woman beside the man flicked her wrist and threw a deadly spell toward Liana.
Before it could hit her, Liana's body twisted—a clean back-flip, shockingly fast.
Everyone, including Kael, stared in disbelief.
"You aren't a wolf…" Liana whispered, eyes locked on the unknown pair.
The hall went silent.
"Enough," Kael growled. "If you have nothing to say here—leave."
But the woman's eyes narrowed.
"Oh we have plenty to say," she hissed and raised her hand again.
Another spell shot forward—
Kael grabbed Liana's wrist and pulled her behind him, blocking the attack with his own energy.
"Amazing," the unknown man laughed softly. "Just amazing."
He flicked his fingers, and suddenly—
Dozens of wolves collapsed, spelled down again.
Kael's eyes widened.
"Liana…" he struggled. "I can't break it!"
Liana's eyes darted around—she was thinking fast.
Then her gaze fell on a blade one of the frozen wolves held.
She stepped sideways—fast.
Kael followed her movement automatically.
She snatched the blade.
And without hesitation—
She cut her own palm.
The moment her blood touched the ground, a violent spark of magic burst out—
The spell shattered.
All the wolves gasped as their bodies regained movement.
The hall erupted in confusion.
The unknown man smirked.
"Even more interesting than we thought…"
The wicked woman touched his arm.
"Let's report to the boss. He'll want to hear this."
The man nodded.
Then—
They both disappeared…
But Liana knew.
They were still around, hiding under invisibility.
Her eyes flickered, scanning the area—
Then her knees weakened.
Her vision blurred.
"Liana—!" Kael yelled, catching her.
But her body had already gone limp.
She passed out, falling into darkness.