Kaelith crouched, every muscle coiled with restrained fury. A low groan escaped him as he fought the urge to unleash destruction. He could have ended her in an instant if it weren't for the bond—the invisible chain binding him. No one in this village could survive my wrath… maybe I should erase them all and leave only her, he thought, the darkness in his mind pressing against his control.
Liora's sharp gaze pierced him, fearless despite the tension radiating off him. "Unless you want me to kick you again," she said firmly, "stop thinking about murder. It's wrong."
Kaelith exhaled, forcing the thought down. Under his breath, he muttered, "Witch."
"What was that?!" Liora's voice was incredulous, but tinged with amusement.
"Nothing," he replied, voice flat.
"Thought so," she said, smiling as if brushing off the moment. She bent to pick up a basket of apples lying on the floor. "Let's go."
"Go where?" he asked, brow slightly raised.
"Well, I can't leave you in the house alone," she replied, cheeks pinking with a hint of excitement, "and I don't want to be bored. Let's go see some of my friends."
Kaelith shifted back into his human form, a flicker of surprise crossing his handsome face. Even beasts have friends… I suppose. Just hope they're normal, he thought, his lips twitching in a faint smirk.
Before he could fully process the idea, a sharp kick flew toward him. He blocked it easily, chuckling lightly, only to be doubled over by a punch to the stomach. Kneeling again, he barely kept his composure.
"I sensed you thinking something rude again," Liora said, walking to the door with a calm authority, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Stepping outside, Kaelith was blinded by the sunlight for the first time in months. The warmth forced him to shield his eyes, the village bustling in the light a stark contrast to the shadows of the palace.
"Hurry," Liora called, waiting at the gate, impatience in her stance.
As they walked, Kaelith observed everything silently—the way villagers moved, the open sky, the way sunlight danced across the cobblestone streets. He finally asked, voice low and serious, "Is there magic in this realm?"
Liora's heart skipped as she caught his piercing gaze. She quickly reminded herself who he was and answered, "Yes, but it's only for the privileged… or those born with a special ability." She hesitated, then added softly, "I wish I could fight… maybe then I could help Dad on his missions."
Even as he listened, Kaelith's presence drew stares. Women of all ages—single, married, young, old—couldn't look away. Men's eyes burned with envy, wishing they could match his unmatched beauty. The whispers that rippled through the crowd did not escape Kaelith's notice, yet he ignored them, walking deliberately alongside Liora.
"So… even a beast can be privileged?" he asked, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
Liora frowned, confused. "How can a wild animal be privileged?"
"That's for you to answer," Kaelith said, rolling his eyes with a playful edge.
Her cheeks flushed red, anger flaring, hands clenching at the tease. Yet excitement bubbled up, and she could no longer contain it. She darted forward, grabbed his hand, and spun him around. Their faces were mere inches apart, hearts thundering.
"I have magic?" she whispered, eyes wide with awe.
Kaelith's chest tightened. His heart raced, each beat a challenge to his control. Around them, people stopped, breath caught at the sight—a beautiful man about to kiss a girl.
Realizing the attention, Liora stepped back hastily, letting him pass. Kaelith, still surprised by her boldness, vanished in a blur and reappeared beside her, a feat that left bystanders gasping.
"Did he just vanish?" one woman whispered.
"Yes… right next to her!" another murmured.
Walking in silence, Kaelith finally broke it. "Yes. You have magic. A special type at that."
Liora's excitement threatened to spill, but she took a deep breath, trying to hide it. Kaelith sensed it and let out a short, amused laugh—the sound rare, almost like sunlight breaking through clouds.
"You can laugh?" she asked, surprised.
Caught off-guard, Kaelith's expression snapped back to serious. Liora laughed softly, teasing, "Maybe next time I'll see you smile."
His heart skipped a beat. Damn, he thought, carefully masking the moment as he walked on.
Soon, they arrived at a quaint house, adorned with vibrant flowers swaying in the gentle wind. Simple, elegant, warm—it radiated life.
A young woman emerged. Her blue hair and icy eyes gave her an aura of frost, elegance radiating from her every move. Kaelith's brows lifted; the contrast between her delicate grace and his wild, powerful presence was almost unreal. Liora caught his glance and smirked knowingly.
The two girls embraced, laughter mixing with the fragrance of flowers. Kaelith watched silently, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
"Amy, I want to introduce you to my… friend," Liora said, walking Kaelith forward.
Amy's eyes lingered on him, assessing, measuring, before a smirk curled her lips. "Did she pay you to be her boyfriend? You're far too handsome to choose her… even I wouldn't be enough."
Kaelith's lips twitched with suppressed amusement. Liora's eyes flared, indignation rising, and she grabbed Amy's arms, dragging her playfully into the compound.
Inside, Kaelith felt a faint barrier, a magical attempt to block him. He barely acknowledged it, stepping through effortlessly. A stronger aura pulsed nearby—a silent warning. Smiling, he whispered to himself, "At least I'll be entertained."
He paused, senses straining, detecting movement in the shadows beyond the house. The aura was not human… not fully. It shimmered, dark and malevolent, curling like smoke through the garden walls. His sharp eyes narrowed.
So, someone—or something—has noticed me. And they are not here to play, he thought, the edges of his lips curling into a dangerous smile.
Kaelith's gaze swept the horizon, the faint hum of power thrumming against his skin. Whoever—or whatever—was out there had just made a very dangerous mistake.
And for the first time in months, the prince felt a flicker of something new: anticipation, curiosity… and the thrill of a challenge that might finally push him to the edge.