The next morning, the castle was alive with whispers.
Even the walls seemed to hum with the tension of the previous night's attempt on Elena's life.
She walked through the long corridors, her hands lightly touching the cold stone walls for comfort.
Kael followed behind her silently, like a shadow.
Every now and then, she could feel his gaze on her, sharp and alert, and a strange warmth ran through her chest.
When they reached the main hall, a woman was waiting.
Tall, elegant, with sharp green eyes and a smile that didn't reach them.
"Good morning, Kael," she said sweetly, but her eyes flicked to Elena, full of venom.
Elena's stomach clenched. She already knew this was Lady Seraphine—the noblewoman behind last night's poisoning attempt.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," Elena said softly, trying to keep her voice steady.
Kael's silver eyes narrowed slightly, and he took a step in front of Elena.
"You are."
The words were calm, but there was a steel in them that made Seraphine pause.
"I…" Seraphine's smile faltered. "I only came to greet your… bride."
Kael's hand brushed against Elena's, brushing gently. A small signal, almost invisible, but it made Elena feel like she belonged beside him.
"Then greet her," Kael said, voice low. "Properly."
Seraphine's eyes flicked to Elena, measuring her.
Elena's gaze didn't waver.
Instead, she smiled politely.
"Good morning, Lady Seraphine."
The woman's lips twitched.
"You're brave," she said. "Or foolish."
"Perhaps a bit of both," Elena replied softly.
Kael's lips curved slightly, almost imperceptibly.
Then Seraphine made her move.
"You don't belong here," she said, her voice louder. "You're weak. A child playing at being a lady."
Elena's heart raced.
Kael's hand shot out, grabbing her wrist and pulling her slightly behind him.
"My wife is no child," Kael said, and the sound of his voice silenced the room.
"She is my wife. No one speaks to her like that. Do you understand?"
The room felt colder. Shadows seemed to gather at Kael's feet.
"Yes, my lord," Seraphine whispered, her voice trembling.
Elena's heart pounded.
She had never seen anyone intimidate someone so effortlessly—and yet she didn't feel afraid.
Kael's gaze shifted to hers, softening just a little.
"Are you all right?" he asked quietly.
Elena nodded, trying to steady her racing heart.
"I… I'm fine."
He stepped closer, his hand brushing her hair gently, tucking a loose strand behind her ear.
"Good," he said softly. "Because no one here will ever hurt you again. Not while I'm near."
The warmth of his touch lingered, and Elena felt her cheeks heat.
It wasn't just protection.
It was possession.
It was intimacy.
And she liked it.
For the first time, she understood why people said he was feared—and why some might say he was dangerous.
But she also felt something else…
A strange fluttering in her chest every time he looked at her that way.
Kael's gaze softened further.
"You are safe," he whispered, almost as if he were speaking to himself.
And in that moment, Elena realized… she was beginning to belong here.