Bound by Magic And Blood

The streets of the Central Kingdom stretched endlessly before them, alive with the hum of merchants, travelers, and townsfolk. Instead of heading toward the heart of the bustling city, Ezekeil led them away from the crowded market district, guiding them through winding alleyways and quieter streets.

"We're not staying near the city center?" Mekeala asked, glancing at the more modest surroundings.

"No," Ezekeil replied shortly. "Too risky."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Paranoid much?"

Ezekeil ignored him, his focus on navigating the city's less conspicuous paths. He had spent enough time in this kingdom to know where to keep a low profile. Eventually, he stopped in front of a small inn nestled between two larger buildings. Its wooden sign, faded by time, swayed slightly in the evening breeze.

"This will do," he said, pushing the door open.

Inside, the inn was warm and inviting. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filled the air. A few patrons sat by the modest bar, chatting over drinks. The innkeeper, a stout woman with graying hair, greeted them with a welcoming smile.

"Two rooms," Ezekeil said, placing a few coins on the counter. "Side by side."

The woman nodded, handing him two keys. "Upstairs, second door on the left."

Mekeala and Maya were quick to claim the first room, while Ezekeil and Jack took the one next door.

The moment Mekeala and Maya stepped inside, they both sighed in relief. The room was simple—two small beds, a wooden dresser, and a washbasin—but after their grueling journey through the desert, it felt like pure luxury.

Mekeala flopped onto the bed. "I don't care if it's small. This feels amazing."

Maya, however, was more interested in something else. She peeked into the adjoining washroom and let out a delighted gasp. "A bath! A real bath!"

Mekeala sat up, eyes shining. "Wait—with warm water?"

Maya nodded enthusiastically. "We deserve this."

Without wasting another second, the two girls rushed to prepare their long-awaited bath, laughing as they scrubbed off the remnants of desert sand and exhaustion.

Meanwhile, in the next room, Jack stretched, kicking off his boots. "You know, for someone who acts all broody and intimidating, you sure know how to pick a cozy spot."

Ezekeil shot him a dry look. "I'd rather sleep on the ground than hear you complain all night."

Jack smirked. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

But even he couldn't hide his excitement. His normally composed demeanor cracked as he glanced around the room, taking in the fresh linen, the sturdy beds, and the knowledge that—for the first time in days—they didn't have to sleep in the sand or on hard ground.

By the time they gathered downstairs for dinner, the inn's small dining area was alive with the hum of conversation. The scent of roasted meat, fresh bread, and warm stew filled the air.

Mekeala's eyes widened as she took in the spread before them. "This… this is real food."

Jack grinned, his usual composure slipping. "It smells amazing."

Maya wasted no time grabbing a plate, her excitement mirroring Mekeala's. "After all we've been through, I don't care if it's simple—I'm eating everything."

Ezekeil silently watched as Mekeala took her first bite, her expression lighting up with delight. A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at his lips. Seeing her like this—excited, carefree, happy—was a rare sight.

For a moment, the tension in his chest eased.

Then, a voice echoed in his mind.

"Beware the ties that bind you."

His fingers tensed around his fork. His heart clenched, a weight settling in his chest that he hadn't been prepared for. He had started to accept his fate—whatever that truly meant—but those words felt like a warning, unraveling that fragile acceptance thread by thread.

His gaze flickered toward Mekeala instinctively. She was still caught up in her meal, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing inside him. The warm glow of the lanterns reflected in her silver-platinum hair, making her seem almost unreal.

"Silver-platinum hair and silver-gold eyes? Isn't this too obvious?"

That was what he had told her earlier when he had insisted Maya place an illusion on her before they entered the town. And now, more than ever, he felt the truth of that statement.

Mekeala was meant to stand out. To shine.

And yet, the idea of her being bound—to him, to fate, to something she had no control over—unsettled him in a way he couldn't quite explain.

He exhaled slowly, forcing the feeling to pass. Not tonight.

Tonight, he wanted to let himself have this moment. To forget, if only for a little while, about the weight of destiny pressing down on them.

"You're awfully quiet," Mekeala mused, glancing at him with a playful smile. "Did I finally wear you down?"

Ezekeil smirked, shaking his head. "Tch. Hardly."

Mekeala giggled, nudging Maya, who grinned in agreement. Jack rolled his eyes but smirked despite himself.

For now, the warning could wait.

For now, he would let himself breathe.