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**Cont.
Nico's sneer faded, replaced by a raw mix of hurt and obsession. "He belonged to me first." His voice cracked, filled with a desperate intensity. "I've been watching you for years, Kael—you've never cared for anyone until him. You let him into your life."
For a brief moment, it felt like the room was holding its breath. Ezra's heart raced, his emotions tangled in a knot of guilt, fear, and love.
Kael activated his stun baton, the sound of electricity crackling in the air. "You betrayed my home and my trust, and now you bring him into this." With that, he lunged forward.
The fight was intense. Nico wielded the drive like a weapon, sparks flying as it hit the metal beams. Kael's baton connected with Nico's arm, sending shocks of electricity through the air. Nico cried out but stubbornly held on to the transmitter. Ezra instinctively moved closer, but Kael shouted over the chaos, "Stay back!"
Another blow sent Nico to his knees. But he laughed, blood trailing from his lip. "Go ahead and kill me. But she knows. Veyra knows your weakness already." His eyes flicked toward Ezra, filled with spite and fear.
Kael landed a punch, sending Nico crashing onto the concrete. Luka's drones descended, pinning Nico down and finally wresting the transmitter from his grasp. Silence fell over the warehouse, broken only by Nico's labored breathing.
Kael loomed over him, breathing heavily, the baton glowing dimly in his hand. When he turned his gaze back to Ezra, the sharpness vanished, replaced by something softer.
Ezra's legs gave way, and he leaned against a beam, tears streaming down his face. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I never intended to—Kael, I—"
Kael closed the distance in just a few steps, crouching in front of him and placing his hand firmly on Ezra's shoulder. His voice was low but steady, carrying a weight that anchored Ezra's spiraling emotions. "You'll have to show me—not to Nico, not to Veyra. But to me."
Ezra nodded, stifling a sob, his trembling fingers clenching Kael's coat.
Behind them, Nico's laughter faded into silence as the drones pulled him away into the shadows.
The battle with Veyra was far from over. But in that moment, surrounded by the wreckage of betrayal, Ezra understood—Kael hadn't pushed him away. Not yet.