Kael’s POV
The kiss lingered between us, a fragile truce in a storm of uncertainty. For a moment, everything felt right—Serena in my arms, her heartbeat syncing with mine. But reality clawed its way back as I pulled away.
“We should head back,” I said softly, though I hated breaking the moment. “There’s too much at stake to lose focus now.”
Serena nodded, her gaze steady yet conflicted. “You’re right. But Kael... if this is going to work, you need to trust me as much as I trust you.”
Her words struck a nerve. Trust wasn’t something I gave freely, especially after the betrayal I’d faced in the past. But Serena wasn’t like anyone else. She was my mate—my equal.
“I do trust you,” I said, my voice firm. “But you need to trust yourself, too. You’re stronger than you realize, Serena. You do
