The ruined cathedral stood like a skeleton against the night sky, its broken spires clawing at the stars. Elara's boots crunched on shattered stone as she slipped through the arched doorway, her heart pounding. She shouldn't be here. The Coven would call it betrayal, but Kael's words from the forest lingered, tugging at her like a spell. The Veilstone's key to his freedom, he'd said. And something in her—her magic, her curiosity, her longing—pushed her to find out what he meant. The air inside was cold, heavy with the scent of damp stone and forgotten prayers, but it carried his presence, sharp and electric.
Moonlight spilled through cracked stained-glass windows, painting the floor in shards of red and blue. Elara's breath hitched as she saw him. Kael leaned against a crumbling altar, his silver eyes catching the light, watching her like she was the only thing in the world. His black hair fell loose, framing his sharp jaw, and his presence filled the space, pulling her closer without a word. You came, he said, his voice soft but heavy, like a secret shared in the dark. Her skin prickled, her magic stirring, alive in a way it never was during Coven rituals.I shouldn't have, she said, her voice unsteady. But I need to know. Why the Veilstone? Why me? She stepped closer, close enough to feel the coolness radiating from him, a contrast to the heat building inside her. Kael straightened, moving toward her with a grace that made her pulse race. His eyes searched hers, intense, almost hungry.
You're not like the others, Elara. Your magic—it sings to me. To the Veilstone. It's tied to you, and to my curse.He reached out, his fingers grazing her collarbone, tracing the edge of a rune etched into her skin from her initiation. The touch was light, deliberate, but it sent a shiver through her, her magic sparking in response, a faint glow lighting the space between them. Her breath caught, her body leaning toward him without her permission. What are you doing to me? she whispered, her voice trembling with something between fear and want. His hand lingered, cool against her warmth, and his eyes darkened. I could ask you the same, he said, his voice low, rough.
The air grew thick, the space between them shrinking. His fingers slid to her neck, brushing her pulse, and she felt it—the pull of him, like a tide dragging her under. Her hands found his chest, pressing against the hard plane of his body, feeling the unnatural stillness where a heartbeat should be. Her own heart thundered, her magic humming, alive with his touch. She tilted her head, their faces inches apart, his breath cool against her lips. For a moment, she thought he'd kiss her, and she wanted it, wanted him, despite every warning screaming in her mind.A low growl snapped her back.
A shadow-born scout, its eyes glowing like embers, crouched in the shadows of the cathedral's nave. Kael's hand tightened on her neck, protective, pulling her behind him. Stay close, he said, his voice sharp now, all softness gone. The scout lunged, claws gleaming, but Kael moved faster, a blur of shadow and strength, pinning the creature to the ground. Elara raised her hand, her magic flaring, a bolt of light striking the scout, turning it to ash. Her chest heaved, adrenaline mixing with the lingering heat of Kael's touch.
He turned to her, his eyes wild, almost feral. You're stronger than you know, he said, stepping close again, his hand brushing her cheek. But this is only the beginning. Valthorne's coming for the Veilstone. For you. Her stomach twisted, fear and desire tangling together. Who's Valthorne? she asked, but before he could answer, footsteps echoed outside—Mira, calling her name, her voice sharp with panic.Kael's gaze held hers, urgent, promising more. Meet me tomorrow, in the Obsidian Woods. I'll tell you everything.
Then he was gone, a shadow melting into the night. Elara stood frozen, her cheek burning from his touch, her mind racing with questions. Valthorne. The Veilstone. Kael. She knew she was stepping into danger, but the pull of him, of the truth, was too strong to resist.