The knock didn't sound human.
Three hard bangs shook the entire apartment door, followed by a low humming—like magic vibrating through the air.
Kael stepped forward slowly, placing his body between Liana and the danger outside. His shoulders broadened, and the storm-gray in his eyes shifted into a glowing silver.
"Kael…" Liana whispered, clutching the edge of the couch. "What's happening?"
His voice dropped into something deeper. "They're masking themselves. Three witches, maybe four. Low ranks… but dangerous enough."
Another boom hit the door—this time cracking the wood.
Liana flinched. "What do they want from me? I didn't do anything!"
Kael didn't take his eyes off the door.
"You exist," he said simply. "That is enough."
Before she could ask what he meant, the lock exploded inward. A blast of dark purple flame shot across the room—
Kael flicked his hand.
A shield burst to life in front of Liana, curving around her like a dome of moonlight.
The flame hit it and shattered like glass.
Three hooded witches stepped into the apartment, their faces hidden behind masks carved with ancient sigils. Their robes whispered against the floor as they moved in a perfect circle.
One of them bowed mockingly.
"Alpha Draven," she said, voice echoing with enchantment. "You are far from your realm."
"This is my realm when she is here," Kael replied coldly.
The witches released a low hiss.
Another witch pointed directly at Liana.
"She is unmarked. Untrained. A human with no magic—she does not belong beside a creature of your rank."
Liana stepped backward, fear racing under her skin.
"Why? Why are you all after me?"
The lead witch laughed softly.
"You are standing beside a warlock Alpha. Every witch alive wants to break that bond before it forms."
Liana's chest tightened.
Bond.
Mate.
Kael's mate.
She wasn't ready for any of this.
Kael's voice suddenly sharpened, dangerous.
"You aren't leaving with her. The next person who reaches for her loses their hand."
The witch smirked. "Bold words for someone outnumbered."
Kael raised his arm slowly.
"I prefer outnumbered."
Silver runes burst along his forearm—ancient marks glowing like molten moonlight. A wind whipped through the room though no window was open.
The witches' expressions changed instantly.
"He's calling lunar power," one whispered. "Inside a human home—Kael, don't—"
Too late.
Kael's power exploded.
The lights shattered.
The air rippled like heat waves.
Moonlight—pure silver and alive—flooded the entire apartment.
Liana shielded her eyes as the witches screamed, thrown back violently into the walls. Their cloaks burned away, exposing their shocked faces.
Kael stepped forward, every vein in his body illuminated with magic.
"Leave," he commanded.
The witches trembled, scrambling to stand.
"You can't protect her forever!" one spat. "The Council will not allow a human mate!"
Kael's eyes went lethal.
"I don't need forever," he said, voice low enough to shake the floor. "I only need one moment."
His hand lifted.
A wave of raw lunar magic blasted through the apartment, forcing the witches into glowing smoke that dissolved into nothing.
Silence.
The apartment was wrecked.
Glass everywhere.
Walls cracked.
Everything smelled like burned air and moonlight.
Kael turned to Liana slowly—and the power faded from him like a dying star.
He looked… tired.
Not weak—never weak—but heavy, like he'd carried a burden she couldn't see.
Liana stumbled out from behind the shield, hands shaking.
"Kael… are you okay?"
His eyes softened when he looked at her.
"I'm fine."
"You didn't look fine."
He took one slow breath, running a hand through his hair.
"Using lunar force inside the human realm drains me faster. I only do it when… necessary."
Her heart pinched. "Because of me."
"Yes," he said without hesitation.
The honesty hit her harder than any spell.
He walked toward her, slow at first, then faster, until he stood directly in front of her. His hand hovered near her cheek…but this time he didn't touch her.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
"No," she breathed.
Kael exhaled in relief.
"Good. Because I won't let anything touch you. Not witches… not fate… not even the moon itself."
Liana stared at him, overwhelmed.
"Why?" she whispered. "You don't know me."
He finally touched her—just the side of her face—warm, gentle, protective.
"I knew you the moment the moon marked my soul," he murmured. "You are mine, Liana. And I will burn every realm to protect you."
Before she could respond, her phone suddenly buzzed—breaking the tension.
She glanced at the screen.
Her best friend's name.
Calling.
Kael's gaze shifted to the phone… then back to her face.
"Answer it," he said quietly. "But do not tell her I'm here. Not yet."
"Why not?"
"Because," Kael whispered, leaning closer, "your world is about to change. And once it does… you can never go back."