CHAPTER 3 – Lady Velene's Mask
Velene adjusted the silver pin in her hair as the palace maids fussed around her.
"My lady, this hairstyle suits you perfectly!""You look like a goddess descended from the moon!"
Velene smiled gently. "Thank you. Please don't overwork yourselves."
They're too kind… I don't deserve this warmth.
One maid whispered, "How did Lord Kael meet her? She's like a dream."
Velene pretended not to hear.
Inside her mind, a voice whispered instead—A voice deep, ancient, and familiar.
"Velderina… have you forgotten who you are?"
She nearly dropped the hairpin.
Not now. Please, not now.
A soft knock rescued her.
"Velene? May I come in?" Kael's voice was warm, gentle—dangerously human.
Her heart fluttered. "Yes… come in."
Kael stepped inside, carrying a bouquet of luminescent star-flowers.
"For you."Her eyes widened. "Kael… these are rare.""You seemed tense this morning. I wanted to help."
If only flowers could calm a dragon's terror…
Kael noticed her trembling hands. "Velene, are you hurt?"
"N-no. Just overwhelmed."
He stepped closer, worry clouding his bright eyes. "If the preparations are too much, I can postpone—"
"No!" Velene grabbed his hand instinctively.
Their eyes locked. Her human form concealed everything—but in that moment, she feared he could see right through her.
She quickly released him. "…I mean. The kingdom needs this. You need this."
Kael's expression softened. "What I need is for you to be safe."
Her breath hitched. Don't say things like that… it makes hiding harder.
Suddenly—
BOOM.
A sharp tremor rattled the windows.
Kael spun toward them. "Another quake? That makes three this week."
Velene stiffened. It's getting closer.
Kael frowned. "Maybe I should alert the Arcane Council—"
"No," she said quickly. "They will only cause panic."
Kael studied her face. "You know something… don't you?"
She froze.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Finally, Velene lowered her gaze. "I just… have a bad feeling."
Kael reached out and gently lifted her chin. "Then stay close to me. I'll handle everything else."
Her chest tightened painfully.
How will you protect me… when the world wants me dead?
[CHAPTER ENDS]