Kael sat in his study, flipping through a pile of ancient scrolls. His mind wasn't on the words—every few minutes he found himself staring at the door like he expected Liana to walk in laughing.
He exhaled sharply.
"She's fine," he muttered to himself. "It's just school."
But deep inside, something felt… wrong.
Not danger. Not pain.
Just empty.
Usually, even when Liana wasn't near him, he could feel a warm spark inside his chest—a soft pull that told him she was alive, safe, and close enough to reach if he wished.
But today?
Nothing.
It wasn't pain.
It wasn't fear.
It was silence.
He placed his hand over his heart, confused.
"Why can't I feel her?" he whispered.
But he convinced himself she was simply focused—or tired—or exploring.
He didn't want to overthink. Not today.
---
Back at Astralis Academy
Liana lay on her new bed, staring at the white ceiling. Her roommates had gone quiet after the healer left, stealing glances at her like she was a powerful relic that might explode.
The dizziness was gone, but something else felt off…
Her chest felt hollow.
Like someone had unplugged a wire inside her.
Usually, she felt Kael somewhere in her thoughts—a warm hum in her soul.
But now…
Nothing.
She sat up slowly, rubbing her temples.
"Why does it feel so quiet?"
Before she could think further, her door opened. The principal stepped inside—calm, serious, hands behind his back.
"Miss Liana," he said softly. "May we speak privately?"
She nodded.
Her roommates scrambled out of the room even before he finished the sentence.
The principal closed the door gently.
"I was informed of your sudden collapse," he began. "I also examined the residue of your magical energy."
Liana swallowed. "What did you find?"
He looked troubled.
"Your connection to your mate—the bond between you and King Kael—it has been… silenced."
Liana froze.
"Silenced?"
"Meaning?"
The principal chose his next words carefully.
"It means something—or someone—has placed a barrier between you two. You are still bonded. You are still marked. But the path between your souls is blocked."
Liana's breath caught.
"So Kael can't feel me?"
"No," the principal said. "And you cannot feel him either, can you?"
Liana shook her head slowly.
A strange ache settled in her chest.
She didn't realize how comforting that connection was until it disappeared.
"Is it dangerous?" she whispered.
"Not immediately," the principal replied. "But it is unnatural. Bonds do not simply disappear unless tampered with."
"T-tampered?" she repeated, her voice shaking.
"Yes. Which means someone has interfered with you—or with Kael."
Her heart pounded.
"Who would do that?" she breathed.
The principal hesitated.
"There are many who fear Kael's union with a powerful Luna. Many who do not wish for you to awaken fully. Many who would do anything to weaken him."
Liana felt chills dance across her skin.
"So what do I do now?"
"For now," he said gently, "you must remain calm. Focus on your training. Your bond may repair itself if your magic stabilizes."
Liana nodded slowly, gripping the blanket under her fingers.
The principal turned to leave, but before he did, he said something that made her stomach twist:
"And, Liana… do not tell anyone about this. Not even your roommates."
"I won't," she whispered.
"And until we understand the source of the barrier… Kael must not know."
The door closed behind him.
Liana sank back onto her bed, hugging her knees tightly.
Her first day at the academy…
and she was already in danger.
But worse than that—
Kael was in danger too.
And he didn't even know.
---