the bloom of light and shadow

The next morning, sunlight poured through the windows like a warm lie — golden and serene, as if nothing had happened at all.

But they both knew better.

The air was too still. The quiet, too fragile.

Kael stood in front of Seraphina's door, hesitant for once. His knuckles hovered before he finally knocked twice — softly, respectfully — and waited.

No answer.

A sliver of dread slipped beneath his skin.

He opened the door. The bed was empty.

His heart lurched.

"Seraphina?"

He didn't care if she had chosen to leave him. That wasn't the fear curling in his chest. No — he feared she had collapsed somewhere alone, struggling and unseen. He moved quickly, checking behind the screen, the corners of the room, calling her name once more — firmer this time.

Then the door to the bathing room creaked open.

Seraphina stepped out slowly, one hand bracing against the edge of the dresser. Her steps were shaky, legs unused to movement after days spent in bed. She caught sight of him and blinked in surprise — her grip faltered, and she nearly fell.

But he was there in an instant, catching her effortlessly, as if gravity had never had a claim on her.

His arms wrapped around her instinctively, and he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"Kael," she said, startled but amused by the look on his face. "Oh my… Your Royal Highness, Kael Asterion, in a lady's chambers without knocking properly? How scandalous." Her voice was teasing, but breathy — weaker than usual.

He didn't smile. Not fully. Just a flicker of relief in his eyes as he carried her carefully back to the bed.

"I'm terribly sorry, my lady," he murmured, setting her down gently. "I feared something had happened. I didn't hear you. I thought…"

He didn't finish. He knelt before her instead, brushing a strand of damp hair away from her face.

Her fingers, pale but steady, reached to touch his cheek.

He froze at the gesture, looking up at her.

"Why do you worry so much about me?" she asked softly.

Kael's jaw clenched for a moment, then relaxed.

"I don't really know," he admitted, a breath of honesty escaping. "But every time I take my eyes off you, something happens. You vanish, or you burn, or you fall. How about staying close to me for a while, so I can stop worrying?"

She blinked at him, a mixture of warmth and confusion in her expression.

"Kael…" Her voice was quieter now. "Thank you. I know you're doing this out of duty. Maybe out of respect for my father—"

"No." His answer came faster than she expected. "This has nothing to do with your father."

He looked directly at her, unwavering.

"I respect him, yes. But I am not here for him. And this... concern, this care — it's not something I offer lightly, Seraphina. Nor to just anyone."

She didn't reply immediately. The weight of his words lingered in the air, settling like dust on morning light.

She looked down for a moment, her fingers still brushing his cheek. Then she pulled them back slowly.

"I don't know what to say," she murmured.

"You don't have to say anything," he said, standing. "Not yet. But we have work to do. And I'd feel better if you were beside me when we face it."

She nodded faintly. Her voice, when it returned, was steadier.

"What now?"

Kael walked to the writing desk and picked up a sealed parchment. "I wrote to the King of Solvenya last night. I've requested reinforcements — a healer, just in case, a guide who knows the terrain, and a small group of trusted mages to help us fight whatever beasts are out there."

Seraphina looked toward the window, where the wind stirred the sheer curtains like a whisper.

"Do you think he'll send them?"

"He has no choice," Kael said. "His son is missing. And we're his only hope."

She looked back at him.

"And until then?"

"We search for clues. Artifacts. Traces of what might've happened. I won't sit here waiting while you're still recovering and danger grows closer."

She frowned. "You make it sound like you're bringing me to war."

He walked over and reached for her hand — not forcefully, just enough to ask for it. She gave it to him.

"I'd bring the entire empire," he whispered, "if it meant you wouldn't fall again."

Her cheeks flushed.

He helped her stand, supporting her weight. "Take your time. We'll move when you're ready."

She looked up at him, lips slightly parted, wanting to say something — unsure what.

In the end, she simply nodded.

And in the silence between them, something unsaid passed like a promise.

The morning fog had not yet lifted when the sound of hooves echoed through the forest, steady as a war drum.

Kael stood with Seraphina just beyond the edge of the road, his cloak fluttering gently in the breeze. Her shoulder brushed against his — they hadn't spoken much since dawn, but the silence between them felt steady. Comfortable.

Then a horn blew once — clear and sharp.

The mist parted.

The Solvenyan reinforcements emerged from the veil of trees like shadows made flesh: armored riders, robed mystics, and scouts cloaked in violet-gray. At their front rode a woman with wind-swept silver hair, her posture straight, her face a sculpted mask of calm.

She dismounted in one fluid movement and approached Kael without pause.

"I am General Ravynn Aetos, appointed by the Solvenyan Regent," she said, offering a respectful bow. "We come under seal to serve as your vanguard into the borderlands."

Kael studied her — not with suspicion, but the kind of silent appraisal that always made others uncomfortable.

"Your reputation precedes you, General Aetos," he replied coolly. "I trust your loyalty matches your efficiency."

"It always has, Your Highness," she said, lifting her head. "And my orders are clear."

Something in the way she said it felt like a test — Kael didn't blink.

Captain Edric Volar stepped forward next — his armor was matte black with indigo inlays, a blade sheathed at each hip.

"My scouts ride ahead. We've mapped the deadlands and the bend of the cursed river. If something's moving in the fog… we'll see it before it sees you."

His voice was low, gravelled. Kael gave a nod, subtle but approving.

High Enchanter Zephan Mire followed, his robes whispering over the ground.

"I've traced the residual magic," he said, gesturing to the trees. "Whatever cursed this land wasn't natural. And it hasn't faded."

He looked at Seraphina as he spoke — not quite a stare, but deliberate.

"You carry something ancient. The phoenix sings even when your voice is quiet."

Seraphina felt Kael shift slightly closer to her. "She does," he said simply.

Then, like she had waited for the perfect moment, the healer stepped forward.

The crowd seemed to part for her naturally — her white healer's robes glowing against the dim light, a silver braid down her back, and bright green eyes locked on Kael.

"My prince," she said, her voice warm as morning sun, "I sensed your arrival. I've brought specialized restoratives from the Solvenyan vaults. You've been walking through cursed ground."

She offered a small vial — unnecessarily close — her fingers brushing his as he took it.

Kael gave her a polite nod. "Thank you. We're well."

"I hope to ensure you stay that way," she said sweetly. Her eyes didn't leave his.

Seraphina's smile was icy. She stepped beside Kael — not possessively, but unmistakably present.

"That's generous, Lady…?"

"Liora Elvenhart," she replied. "Chief Healer."

Seraphina tilted her head. "I'm Seraphina Rubienne. Kael's fiancée."

The silence was brief — but Liora blinked, just once, before recovering with a dazzling smile.

"Of course. A powerful pair," she said, a little too quickly.

Kael, meanwhile, had already turned to Zephan again, missing the tension entirely.

The sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the camp as the caravan settled among the trees. The flickering firelight cast warm hues on tired faces, but Seraphina found little comfort.

Kael helped her down from her horse with steady hands, his gaze lingering on her more than usual.

"You should rest," he said softly, guiding her toward a wooden bench. "You look tired."

She forced a small smile, though the ache in her legs was real. "Long day."

He pulled a blanket around her shoulders and crouched nearby, voice gentle. "You don't have to hide how you feel with me."

She hesitated. "I don't want to slow us down."

Kael's eyes softened. "We move at your pace. Always."

Seraphina looked up, searching his face in the fading light. "Thank you. For... everything."

A quiet beat passed between them.

Then she asked, voice low, "Have you noticed... Liora? The healer?"

Kael glanced over just as Liora approached with a small satchel.

"She's efficient," he said. "And her skills will be invaluable."

Seraphina watched the way Liora's bright green eyes flicked to Kael, lingering too long, a hint of something unreadable behind her smile.

"She seems... close to you," Seraphina said cautiously. "More than just professional."

Kael frowned, confusion flickering across his features. "I think you're imagining things."

She bit her lip, unsure whether to press further.

"Kael, I—" she started.

He held up a hand, smiling gently but firmly. "Let's not jump to conclusions."

Seraphina swallowed the words she wanted to say. Instead, she nodded, though her eyes stayed wary.

The night deepened around them.

Kael reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.

"You're not alone," he murmured. "Whatever comes, we face it together."

Her heart clenched, a mixture of relief and uncertainty settling inside.

"I want to believe that," she whispered.

He smiled, but his eyes held shadows she couldn't read.

They sat in silence, the crackling fire the only sound — two figures bound by duty, secrets, and something fragile yet unspoken.