The forest seemed alive. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, made Aeloria's heart race like it wanted to escape her chest. She could still feel Kael's presence behind her, a dark shadow that somehow made her feel both terrified and safe at the same time.
"You shouldn't wander here alone," Kael said, his voice low, almost a whisper.
"I didn't choose to wander," Aeloria replied, though the words sounded weaker than she intended. "The mark…it pulled me here."
Kael's eyes narrowed. The faint silver glow on her wrist had flared again when they touched, and he looked at her as if seeing her for the first time. "The Moonbound's power… it's stronger than I expected," he murmured.
Aeloria frowned. "Moonbound? You mean me?"
He hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. And now that the Queen knows your power has awakened, you're no longer safe."
Before she could ask who the Queen was, a sudden shadow darted between the trees. Kael reacted instantly, stepping in front of her and drawing a small blade that shimmered like moonlight.
The shadow froze, then melted into the darkness.
Aeloria swallowed. "What…was that?"
Kael's jaw tightened. "A scout. They're already searching for you. We need to move—now."
He offered his hand. For a moment, Aeloria hesitated. Something in his presence made her pulse quicken, a strange warmth spreading through her chest. Slowly, she placed her hand in his. The moment their fingers touched, the glow on their marks flickered and danced like twin flames.
Kael's grip was firm, protective, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. "Trust me," he said simply.
She nodded, unable to find her voice.
They ran through the Moonwood, branches whipping past, roots threatening to trip them. The deeper they went, the quieter the forest became, as if the trees themselves were holding their breath. Finally, they reached a small clearing where moonlight poured through, illuminating a hidden grove.
Kael let her go and crouched near the center, eyes scanning every shadow. "This is safe…for now," he said.
Aeloria sank to the ground, breathing hard. Her gaze fell on him, and for a brief moment, she saw something behind his sharp, guarded eyes—a flicker of vulnerability.
"Why…why are you helping me?" she asked quietly.
Kael looked away, jaw tight. "Because I swore an oath. To protect the Moonbound. No matter what."
Her heart skipped. No one had ever spoken to her with such certainty. She wanted to ask more, to know everything about him, but the forest suddenly felt colder.
"You need to rest," he said, almost reluctantly. "We leave before sunrise. If the Queen's scouts find us…" His voice trailed off, leaving the threat hanging in the air.
Aeloria nodded. She didn't fully understand what was happening, but one thing was clear: her life had changed forever. And somehow…she didn't want to be afraid.
Not with him there.