Every hallway of Arcane Crest Academy buzzed with whispers.
"Who saved her?"
"Did you see that power?"
"He looked like a king!"
"And he called her his mate—so she's taken already?"
Rumors spread like wildfire.
But nobody knew the truth.
Nobody knew that the mysterious man who appeared like lightning and vanished like smoke was Kael, king of all immortals… and Liana's mate.
And now Liana wasn't in the infirmary.
She wasn't in her dorm.
She was in a place no student even knew existed:
Kael's private apartment hidden on the topmost floor of the Academy.
---
✨ Inside Kael's Secret Apartment
The room was warm, quiet, and filled with Kael's scent—deep, ancient magic mixed with something warm like firewood.
Liana slowly opened her eyes.
She was lying on a huge black bed with crystal curtains.
The ceiling glowed with silver runes.
Everything felt… powerful.
She tried to sit up—
A hand quickly held her shoulder.
"Easy," Kael said softly.
He was sitting right beside her, sleeves rolled up, hair messy from stress, his expression a mix of fear and anger.
Liana blinked.
"W… where am I?"
"My private apartment," Kael answered.
"It's inside the academy—hidden from students. Only top authorities know it exists."
She swallowed.
"So you brought me here?"
"You almost died, Liana," he said, voice low.
"You think I will leave you in the infirmary for everyone to stare at you?"
His eyes softened but his jaw stayed tight.
"You scared me."
Liana looked down.
"I'm sorry."
Kael brushed hair away from her face gently.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. I should be the one protecting you."
She hesitated before saying:
"I couldn't connect with you… I tried."
Kael froze.
"I know," he whispered.
"Your connection disappeared. I didn't feel your pain. I didn't feel your fear. I didn't feel you."
He said the last part almost in a whisper.
"I thought I lost you."
Liana's heart tightened.
"I didn't disconnect on purpose."
"I know."
His voice cracked again.
"And I'm not angry at you. Just… shaken."
Silence.
She reached for his hand slowly.
Kael took it instantly, gripping it like she might vanish again.
---
✨ A Knock Interrupts
Kael stood immediately, irritation rising.
"Who is disturbing—"
The door opened.
The school healer stepped in and bowed low.
"My king."
Liana glanced at Kael sharply.
"Kael—your identity—"
He touched her arm lightly.
"They cannot reveal it. Every staff member who knows signs a magical oath."
The healer spoke carefully:
"My Lord… we have discovered something."
Kael's eyes sharpened.
"Speak."
"The person who attacked Lady Liana… he was not a student. He used forbidden shadow magic to disguise himself."
Kael's aura darkened.
"Shadow magic?"
"Yes," the healer said.
"A type believed extinct. Except—"
Kael's glare cut him off.
"Except one person," Kael finished.
Liana looked between them nervously.
"Who?" she asked.
Kael exhaled slowly, eyes burning with old hatred.
"A man who once tried to destroy my kingdom. A sorcerer who vanished years ago."
Liana swallowed.
"He's… alive?"
"Alive," Kael said quietly.
"And he sent someone to kill you."
Liana's heart dropped.
"Me? Why?"
Kael took her hand again, thumb brushing her palm.
"Because your power is unique. Rare. Dangerous to the wrong people. And someone out there is terrified of you."
Her breath caught.
"But I can't even use my powers now," she whispered.
Kael cupped her cheek gently.
"Then I'll protect you until you can."
---
✨ Meanwhile — Back in the Academy
ZARA stormed into the dorm room, pacing angrily.
"This is bad. This is really bad!"
MIRA lay on her bed, biting chicken, completely calm.
"What exactly is bad?" she asked.
"Everything!" Zara threw her hands up.
"Everyone is talking about Liana!
'Who saved her?'
'Is she taken?'
'Why did he call her mate?'
'Is Morris in love with her?'"
Mira raised a brow.
"Ahhhh, so it's Morris that is paining you."
Zara glared.
"Shut up."
"But it's true," Mira grinned.
"You like him. And he likes Liana."
Zara didn't respond.
She hated the truth.
"Let's go to the principal's floor," she said instead.
"Maybe we'll find information."
Mira sighed and stood.
"Fine. But if we die, I'll haunt you."
---
✨ Back to Kael & Liana
Liana slowly shifted to sit up fully.
Kael helped her carefully, fingers lingering at her waist.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"I didn't expect things to go this way."
Kael shook his head.
"You're alive. That's all that matters."
Just then—
Liana's stomach growled loudly.
She froze.
Kael blinked.
Then smirked.
"You're hungry."
Her face turned red.
"I—I haven't eaten since morning."
Kael stood.
"I'll get you food."
He snapped his fingers and a table appeared instantly beside the bed—filled with warm soup, bread, and glowing fruit.
"Eat," he said.
"You need your strength."
Liana took a spoon.
But Kael didn't leave.
He pulled a chair closer and sat with his eyes locked on her.
"Why are you watching me?" she whispered, embarrassed.
"Because you almost died," Kael said softly.
"I'm not looking away from you again."
Her cheeks heated.
But she didn't argue.
She ate quietly as Kael watched, silent but protective.
Outside the apartment window…
A cold shadow slithered across the wall.
A pair of glowing red eyes whispered:
"Found you, little Luna. Your power will be mine soon."