After the fight, the city was quiet—too quiet. Kael and Lira found shelter in an abandoned library, its walls lined with ancient tomes.
"You're hiding something," Lira said, her voice softer than usual.
Kael hesitated. "I don't… I can't tell you everything. Some secrets are dangerous."
She moved closer. "If we're going to survive, we have to trust each other. No more lies."
For the first time, Kael's stoic mask faltered. He told her about the curse he carried—how his magic drew emotions from others, sometimes uncontrollably, leaving despair in its wake. Lira listened, her hands trembling as she realized the weight he bore.
"You're not alone," she whispered. "Whatever happens, we fight together."
Kael's heart thumped in a way it hadn't in years—something he didn't expect, and didn't try to hide.