The thorn crown

The forest pulsed like a living thing.

Not wind. Not footsteps.

Breath.

It was breathing.

Kael and I didn't speak.

Didn't run.

We just moved, silent and fast, deeper into trees that were too still and shadows that clung like hands.

Something was following us.

No.....watching us.

I could feel it in the back of my throat. Like a scream that hadn't been born yet.

"Don't look back," Kael whispered.

"Not planning to."

"Whatever it is it's not human."

I didn't ask how he knew.

Because I knew too.

The bond between us burned hot. Restless. Magic licked my skin like a storm that wanted out.

I tripped on a root. Caught myself on a tree.

He caught me.

Hands on my waist.

Too fast. Too close.

For one breath, we froze. His body flush with mine. Chest to chest. Breath tangled.

And something… shifted.

The forest went silent again.

So silent I could hear his heartbeat.

Fast. Violent. Wanting.

His eyes locked on mine.

I meant to say "let go."

What came out was....

"Kael."

Just his name.

But it landed like a slap.

He pulled back half an inch. Just enough to look down at me, eyes dark gold and hungry.

"You're shaking," he said, low.

"I'm aware."

"Is it fear?"

"Yes," I said.

And then...too soft

"No."

A pause.

His hand didn't move from my waist.

Mine didn't move from his chest.

His skin burned beneath my palm. Magic flared under his ribs like lightning trying to claw free.

"Whatever's out there," he said, "it wants what's inside you."

I swallowed.

"And what's that?"

He leaned in.

Barely.

Just enough for the air to heat.

"Me."

I should've pulled away.

I didn't.

I leaned.

Our mouths brushed.

Not a kiss.

Not quite.

But close enough to burn.

Then....

Snap.

A twig.

Too deliberate.

Too loud.

We broke apart instantly, magic flaring.

Kael pushed me behind him, shadows dancing around his fingers.

But nothing came.

Just the trees.

And the thing that still breathed in the dark.

"I'll distract it," he whispered.

"No."

He glanced back.

I met his gaze, steel for steel.

"We're done with that," I said. "No more splitting up. No more sacrifices."

His throat bobbed.

"Then stay close."

He reached for my hand.

I let him take it.

And we ran.

Not from fear.

But toward the fire waiting inside us both.