Chapter Ten: Whispers of the Fallen
The morning sun was faint, a pale glow filtering through the curtains of Aria's chamber. She sat on the edge of her bed, hands trembling slightly from the night's events. The Shadow Court's lair, the dark orbs, and Lysara's warnings replayed in her mind like echoes she couldn't shake.
A soft knock at the door made her heart leap.
"Aria?" Kael's voice called softly. "Are you awake?"
She opened the door. He stepped inside, mask in place but his eyes—unshielded—were softer than she had ever seen. He closed the door behind him, the morning light barely touching the shadows clinging to him.
"You did well last night," he said quietly. "More than you realize."
Aria bit her lip, unsure what to say. "We did well," she murmured. The words felt different when spoken aloud, the weight of their partnership settling between them.
Kael's gaze lingered on her face. For a heartbeat, the world seemed to shrink, the manor fading away, leaving only the two of them and the invisible thread connecting their hearts.
"Aria," he said, stepping closer. "About the tether… the Quill… all of it. You need to understand—this isn't just destiny trying to force us together. It's something real. Something we choose."
Her breath caught. The words felt like a confession wrapped in a warning. She searched his eyes, looking for doubt, but found only certainty.
"I…" she began, then paused, swallowing hard. "I feel it too."
The tether pulsed stronger, invisible yet undeniable, a bridge of light and emotion that wrapped around them both.
Kael's hand reached for hers again. This time, there was no hesitation. Their fingers intertwined, and a warmth spread through Aria's chest that had nothing to do with magic.
"We can't let them win," Kael said softly, voice steady. "Not the Shadow Court. Not anyone trying to control fate. Together, we're stronger than any arrow, any prophecy."
Aria nodded, heart racing. "Together," she echoed.
A sudden knock at the door startled them. Aria pulled her hand back reluctantly. A servant appeared, whispering, "A letter for you, my lady. No name, no seal… just this."
Aria unfolded the parchment. Written in elegant, slanted letters were words that made her blood run cold:
"The Shadow Court watches more than your actions. They watch your heart. Choose wisely—or lose everything."
Kael's hand found hers again, gripping it tightly. "They're escalating," he murmured. "And now they know just how strong the bond is between us."
Aria swallowed. Fear, excitement, and a strange thrill coiled together inside her. The danger was growing, but so was the connection that pulled her toward Kael, stronger with every heartbeat.
"Then we fight," she said, voice steady despite the tension. "And we do it together."
Kael's lips curved into a small, rare smile. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
The morning light caught the edges of the parchment, illuminating the shadows that still lingered. Outside, the city stirred, unaware of the storm brewing in its heart.
And somewhere, in the depths of the Shadow Court, Lysara's eyes glowed with fury—and anticipation.