The attack came again.
But this time—
Selene was ready.
She didn't wait for guards. Didn't call for help.
When the door burst open, she moved.
Fast.
Precise.
Steel met steel in the dim light of her chamber. The assassin lunged—but Selene was no longer the girl who had stood still on the road.
She fought back.
Harder.
Sharper.
The mask slipped.
And she saw his face clearly.
"You," she said under her breath.
He smirked, even as he staggered. "You were meant to die."
Selene raised her blade.
"Not tonight."
Before she could strike—
A second blade pierced through him.
Clean.
Precise.
The man dropped instantly.
Kael stood behind him
Unmoved.
"You were watching," Selene said.
"I was waiting," he replied.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
For what?"
Kael stepped closer.
"To see what you'd become."
Silence.
Heavy.
Measured.
Selene held his gaze.
"And?" she asked.
A pause.
Then—
"Something worth keeping."
The words lingered.
Not soft.
Not gentle.
But real.
Selene didn't react outwardly—but something shifted.
Not trust.
Not yet.
But recognition.
They were no longer standing on opposite sides.
They were standing in the same storm.
And neither intended to lose.