Chapter 150 – More Than Blood
The Hollow slept.
Beyond the balcony rail, lanterns had long since burned out, leaving only the silver wash of moonlight across the rooftops. The river whispered softly beyond the walls. The world was quiet—but Kael's heart refused to still.
Lyria didn't step away when his forehead rested against hers. She stayed, unwavering, her breath warm and steady in the cool night air.
"Kael," she whispered, her voice a tether pulling him from the abyss he felt sinking into. "Do you hear yourself?"
He opened his eyes. Her gaze burned into his, sharp as steel and soft as silk.
"You've built a village out of nothing. You've defended people others would've left to die. You've given them safety, food, laughter. And still, you stand here doubting yourself because a monster with a voice like poison whispered about blood you had no choice in."
Her hand rose, cupping his cheek. "Do you think the council follows you because of your blood? Do you think I—" her voice broke, but only for an instant "—do you think I stayed by your side because of horns or scales?"
Kael's throat tightened. "Lyria…"
"No." She pressed closer, fierce now, every word sharp and deliberate. "I love you, Kael. Do you understand me? I love you. Not for dragonfire. Not for demon-shadow. Not for strength, or command, or destiny. I love you because when a frightened girl was drowning in her own doubts, you made her laugh again. Because when people were broken and scattered, you gave them a home. Because when I wake, and you're there, I know the world still has something worth fighting for."
Her words struck harder than any blade. Kael felt his chest ache, his walls splintering. He wanted to believe her—gods, he wanted to.
"I don't know if I can carry this forever," he admitted hoarsely. "What if he was right? What if I become the very thing I swore to protect them from? What if…" His voice faltered. He looked away. "What if I hurt you?"
Lyria didn't flinch. "Then I'll stop you."
That made him look at her. Her eyes were steady, unyielding. "And until then, I'll fight beside you. Because I trust you, Kael. More than you trust yourself."
For a long moment, the two simply stood there in the silver light, the night holding its breath around them.
Finally, Kael let out a ragged sigh. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly, as though she was the only thing anchoring him to this world. "You make it sound so simple."
"Because it is." She leaned against him, her head on his chest. "We don't tell the council. Not yet. What would it change? They'd see danger where there isn't any. They'd panic. We'll keep this between us until we're forced to share it. Until then, it's our secret. Ours alone."
Kael nodded slowly, the decision settling in his bones like heavy stone. "A secret, then."
"A promise," she corrected softly.
He kissed the top of her head, letting the warmth of her steady him. The Daemon Lord's words still lingered like venom in his thoughts—but for now, wrapped in Lyria's embrace, he felt something stronger than fear.
For the first time since Druaka's death, Kael allowed himself to breathe.