The barn door creaked open, letting in a thin blade of morning light. Ariella's breath caught as her brother Rowan stepped inside, boots muddy from patrol, brow creased with suspicion.
Ari? he called again.
She pressed herself against the shadows, one hand on Kael's arm—holding him back, holding him still. His breathing was shallow from the pain, but his eyes remained sharp, assessing the distance to the door, the weight of Rowan's sword, every possible threat.
Rowan took another step forward. Mother said you hadn't returned from gathering herbs. Thought I'd find you here.
Ariella stepped into the half-light, forcing calm into her voice. I'm fine. I was just… thinking.
Rowan's gaze swept the barn—too carefully.
His eyes landed on the old trunk. The scattered herbs. The jug of water. The strip of cloth she had forgotten to hide.
Ariella's heart slammed against her ribs.
Rowan's voice hardened. What are you hiding?
Nothing, she said quickly. Too quickly.
Kael shifted behind her—barely a sound, yet enough.
Rowan's head snapped toward the noise. His hand went straight to his sword.
Ariella. His voice dropped into a harsh whisper. Step aside.
Her world narrowed. This was her brother—the boy who'd climbed trees with her, who'd skinned his knees defending her from jeering village boys, who'd sworn to protect her always.
But Kael was behind her, wounded and defenseless.
Ariella spread her arms. Rowan, listen to me—
Move. Rowan's eyes were fire. There's an enemy soldier in here. I heard him.
Rowan, please—he's hurt. He wasn't going to harm anyone.
That's what they do, Ariella! They pretend. They infiltrate. And you— His voice cracked with betrayal. You sheltered him?
Rowan pushed past her.
Kael stepped out of the shadows, posture unthreatening but steady despite the pain. Let her explain, he said.
Rowan froze.
Their eyes met—one filled with hatred, the other with resigned calm.
Rowan drew his sword. On your knees.
Ariella grabbed his arm. Stop! He's not a threat—
He's Ravenhold! Rowan roared. He's killed men like me!
Kael didn't deny it. He stood upright, though the effort shook him.
Ariella saved my life, he said quietly. If you want someone to blame, blame me for being here—not her.
Rowan's glare flickered toward his sister—hurt, confusion, fury warring in his expression.
She risked everything, Rowan said. For you?
Kael's jaw tightened, but he nodded. Yes.
And that was the end.
Rowan lunged.
Ariella shrieked, throwing herself between them. Rowan's sword arm halted inches from Kael's throat, trembling with restraint.
Ariella, he hissed, move!
Tears blurred her vision. He is not our enemy here.
Rowan's voice broke. You don't know what you're saying.
Then the barn door burst open again—this time with armed guards.
Two. Four. Six.
Ariella's stomach dropped. Someone had followed Rowan.
The captain's voice was cold. So the rumors were true.
Kael straightened instinctively, hand reaching for a weapon he didn't have. In seconds, he was surrounded—spears at his back, a sword at his chest.
Stop! Ariella cried. Please!
Kael met her eyes, calm, almost gentle. It's all right.
No, she whispered. No, it isn't.
Rowan grabbed her arm. This ends now.
Kael held her gaze as the guards forced him to his knees.
There was no fear in his expression.Only a terrible, quiet acceptance.
The captain spoke sharply: He'll be taken to the Lord of Thornwick for judgment. And the girl...
Ariella's breath froze.
... will answer for aiding the enemy.
Rowan snarled, stepping forward. She did nothing wrong.
Then let the Lord decide, the captain said.
Kael strained against the guards. Leave her out of this!
But they hauled him upright, dragging him from the barn. Ariella stumbled after them, held back by Rowan's iron grip.
Kael's eyes never left hers as he was pulled away.
She reached out desperately, fingers stretching toward his—
—and for one brief moment, their hands brushed.
A spark.A promise.A beginning and an end.
The prophecy whispered in her mind like a ghost:
If your hearts join, the heavens will tremble.
Ariella felt it then—the trembling.
And she knew the heavens were about to fall.