The warm glow around Kael and Lira slowly faded, leaving only the soft blue crystal light in the chamber.
They sat close, hands still linked.
Lira leaned her forehead lightly against Kael's.
"Does it always feel like this?" she whispered.
Kael shook his head softly.
"No. This feels… different. Stronger."
The bond thumped gently between them
not painful, not overwhelming
just warm.
The Seer watched silently, then spoke:
"You two have begun the Heartbind.
But it will test you in ways you are not used to."
Kael looked up.
"How?"
The Seer pointed at their chests.
"You will feel each other's emotions.
Clearer than before."
Lira blinked.
"Like… when I'm sad, he'll feel it?"
"Yes," the Seer said.
"And when he is angry, you will feel it too."
Kael frowned.
"That could be dangerous in battle."
The Seer nodded.
"Exactly. But if you master it…
you will fight more perfectly as one."
Lira turned back to Kael.
"Let's try it."
Kael blinked.
"Try what?"
Lira gently placed her hand over his heart.
"Close your eyes."
Kael did.
She took a slow breath.
And then
Lira let herself feel something small.
A tiny fear.
Just enough to test the bond.
Kael's eyes snapped open.
"Lira—why are you scared?"
She gasped softly.
"You felt that?"
Kael nodded.
"Clear as day."
Lira smiled a little.
"Then it's working."
The Seer watched with approval.
"You understand quickly. That will help when the heir arrives."
Kael's expression hardened.
"We'll be ready."
But suddenly
The ground trembled.
Just once.
Soft, but enough to shake the water in the crystal pools.
Lira grabbed Kael's arm.
"Kael… that wasn't normal."
Kael stood instantly, pulling her up with him.
The Seer's mask turned toward the entrance tunnel.
"It seems your training will be tested sooner than expected."
Another tremor.
Stronger this time.
Lira's heartbeat spiked
and Kael felt it immediately.
She whispered:
"Kael… something is coming."
"I know," Kael said.
But he felt more than just her fear
He felt her instinct.
Danger.
Real danger.
The Seer raised his hand and formed another barrier.
"It is not the heir," he said in a low voice.
"But it is not human."
Lira stepped back.
"Another creature… like the Devourer…?"
The Seer didn't answer.
Which meant yes.
Kael pulled Lira close.
"Stay behind me."
She nodded, gripping his sleeve.
A distant growl echoed through the tunnel
deep, broken, hungry.
Lira shook.
"Kael… I don't like that sound…"
Kael touched her hand gently.
"It's okay. I'm here."
Another growl.
Closer.
Kael's eyes narrowed.
The Seer whispered:
"It smells your bond.
This creature came for your power."
Lira's breathing grew uneven.
"Kael… I'm scared…"
Kael held her face with both hands.
"I feel it," he said softly.
"Your fear… it's reaching me."
Lira's eyes widened.
"I didn't mean to"
"It's okay," Kael whispered.
"It's not your fault."
The bond pulsed between them stronger, deeper.
Kael took her hand firmly.
"Let me carry your fear with you."
Lira's eyes softened.
And for a moment, her fear lessened.
But the creature reached the entrance.
A sharp, clawed hand gripped the stone.
The Seer stepped back.
Kael positioned himself in front of Lira completely.
The creature stepped into the light
Twisted.
Tall.
Eyes glowing faint red.
Skin stretched too thin.
Teeth like broken stone.
Lira gasped in terror.
Kael felt her fear stab through him like a knife.
He whispered:
"Lira… it's okay. I'm here. Stay with me."
The creature let out a horrible roar.
The Seer shouted:
"Kael! This one hunts bonds! Don't let it touch her!"
Lira's hands trembled too much to form light.
Kael tightened his grip on her hand.
"Stay close. Don't let go of me."
The bond flickered—
not in fear,
but in fierce, protective strength.
Kael stepped forward.
The creature screamed.
And the fight began.