The castle corridors were quiet as Elena walked beside Kael.
Even the servants seemed to sense the tension in the air.
Kael didn't speak much, but his presence was overwhelming, commanding every inch of space around them.
Elena felt a warmth radiating from him—protective, possessive, and intoxicating.
They entered the grand hall, where nobles had gathered for the evening feast.
Whispers spread immediately as everyone noticed Elena walking beside Kael.
"She's the bride?" one noble whispered.
"She's… beautiful," another added, eyes lingering too long.
Elena straightened, holding her head high.
Kael's silver eyes swept the hall like a predator assessing prey.
Suddenly, Lady Seraphine appeared.
Her green eyes glinted, and she walked toward Elena with a smile that didn't reach her face.
"My lord, may I speak with you for a moment?" she asked, voice dripping with false sweetness.
Kael's hand brushed lightly against Elena's. A silent warning.
"I will speak with no one but you, Seraphine," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
Seraphine's eyes flicked to Elena, then back to Kael.
"You always choose the unexpected," she said, her tone mocking.
Kael's hand tightened slightly around Elena's as they walked.
"Elena is my wife," he said quietly, just loud enough for Seraphine to hear.
The room fell silent.
Seraphine's lips tightened.
"Elena… you are truly bold," Kael continued, his silver eyes locking onto hers.
Elena felt her chest tighten. She realized… he was showing her off.
Later, in the garden, Elena tried to calm her racing heart.
Kael appeared silently beside her, the moonlight glinting on his black hair.
"You handled them well tonight," he said.
"I… I just stayed calm," Elena replied, her voice soft.
"Calm?" Kael murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You are far stronger than you realize. And far braver."
Elena's cheeks warmed.
Kael leaned closer, and she could feel the heat of his body against hers.
"Elena… do you feel it?" he asked, his silver eyes searching hers.
"Feel what?" she whispered.
"The pull… the connection between us."
Elena swallowed, her pulse quickening.
"I… I think so," she admitted.
Kael's lips curved slightly.
"You will learn. And soon, you will understand why I cannot let anyone touch you, speak to you, or harm you."
Her heart raced as he drew closer, and the night seemed to shrink around them.
"Kael…" she began, her voice trembling slightly.
He silenced her with a gentle press of his lips against hers, soft at first, teasing, then firmer.
Her hands rested against his chest, feeling the strength beneath.
This time, the kiss lasted longer.
It was deliberate, possessive, and filled with a tension that left her breathless.
When they finally pulled back, Kael rested his forehead against hers.
"You are mine," he whispered.
"And I… I am yours," Elena replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest.
For a moment, the garden was quiet, save for the soft night breeze.
The moonlight bore witness to their growing bond, fierce yet tender, dangerous yet inevitable.