The castle corridors were silent, but a sense of unease clung to the walls.
Elena walked beside Kael, her heart beating faster than usual.
"You feel it too?" she whispered.
Kael's silver eyes scanned the shadows.
"Yes," he said quietly. "She's here."
Before Elena could react, a figure emerged from the darkness—Lady Seraphine, dagger in hand.
"Stay back, Elena!" Kael commanded, stepping in front of her.
Elena froze. Fear and adrenaline surged through her body.
Seraphine's eyes burned with hatred.
"You think you can steal everything from me?" she hissed.
Kael's aura darkened. Shadows rose around him like living serpents.
"Elena is mine," he said, his voice low, dangerous, unyielding.
Seraphine lunged with her dagger, but Kael moved faster—his hand shooting out to grab hers, twisting the blade from her grip effortlessly.
The shadows seemed to consume her movements, freezing her in place.
Elena watched, awe-struck and terrified.
Kael turned to her, silver eyes softening.
"Are you unharmed?" he asked.
"I… yes," she whispered.
He stepped closer, his body almost brushing hers.
"You don't need to be afraid," he murmured.
Elena's heart raced. The warmth of his body, the intensity in his gaze… it was overwhelming.
Before she could speak, Kael cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek.
"Elena…" he murmured, his lips hovering over hers.
Her breath caught.
"You are mine," he whispered, pressing his lips against hers in a kiss that was fierce, possessive, and tender all at once.
Her hands instinctively found his chest, feeling the strength beneath.
The world outside disappeared. The shadows, the danger, even Seraphine—all of it melted away, leaving only them, the night, and their connection.
When they finally parted, Kael rested his forehead against hers.
"You are mine," he repeated, voice husky with emotion.
"And I… am yours," Elena breathed, her hands still against his chest.
Kael's lips brushed hers again briefly, a softer, lingering promise.
The shadows in the hall had faded, but the fire between them burned brighter than ever.
Elena realized, with a mixture of fear and exhilaration, that she was no longer the timid bride she had been.
She was his… and she wanted to be.
Kael's hands rested gently on her shoulders, a silent vow: he would protect her, possess her, and love her—no matter what came next.