Inside was a vast room glowing with blue fire. At its center floated a crystal heart beating softly, pulsing with ancient power.Althea gasped. "It's alive."Kael nodded. "And if the Nightveil gets it, they'll control every emotion in the city."She approached it carefully. The crystal pulsed, responding to her presence."You can control it," Kael said. "Because your gift is tied to emotion. Only you can stop the artifact from falling into the wrong hands."Althea reached out her hand.The moment her fingers brushed the crystal images flooded her mind.
Kael as a boy. Alone. Afraid. Broken.
Kael as a young soldier. Training. Bleeding. Killing.Kael the fugitive. Running. Hiding. Hoping.
And finally.
Kael the man.
Loving her.
Deeply.
Completely.
When she opened her eyes, tears streamed down her cheeks.
"You've suffered so much," she whispered.
Kael looked away. "It's not important."
She cupped his face, forcing him to meet her eyes. "It is. Because your pain didn't destroy you. It made you who you are."
He swallowed hard, voice trembling. "Althea…"
She kissed him gentle at first, then fierce, pouring every emotion she had into him, letting him feel what he meant to her.
When they pulled apart, Kael rested his forehead against hers.
"Whatever happens," he said softly, "I'm with you."
And together, they prepared for war.