Blood of the Fallen

Chapter 7: Sparks in the Shadows

Dinner was held in the great hall a long stone table stretching the length of the chamber, lit by torches that burned with unnatural light. The air smelled faintly of cedar and smoke, but beneath it lingered something sharper… tension.

Lyra sat between Kael and the silver-haired man, who had introduced himself with a slow, deliberate bow.

“Draven,” he’d said, his voice like silk over steel. “Second to Kael… when he lets me be.”

She caught the faint smirk Kael gave him in return, one that carried no warmth.

“You’ll forgive my curiosity,” Draven said now, leaning slightly toward her. It’s not every day Kael brings someone across the Veil. Let alone someone the Court wants badly enough to send assassins.

Lyra shifted in her seat. “Seems I've been full of surprises lately.”

“I like surprises.” His smile lingered a moment too long before his gaze flicked to Kael. “Don’t you?”

Kael didn’t answer, but his hand tightened around the goblet he was holding.

The conversation drifted, filled with reports of border skirmishes and rumors of court movements. Lyra listened quietly, though her attention kept flicking between Kael’s watchful stillness and Draven’s easy charm.

When the meal ended, Kael stood. “I’ll show you to your quarters.”

Draven’s smirk deepened. “No need to rush her off. She might enjoy the view from the west tower the stars are sharp tonight.”

“She’s not here for stargazing,” Kael said flatly.

Selene, who had been silent most of the evening, raised an eyebrow. “Careful, Kael. You’re sounding territorial.”

“I am,” he replied without hesitation.

The words caught Lyra off guard, heat rushing to her cheeks. She followed him from the hall, the sound of Draven’s quiet laugh chasing them.

They walked the torchlit corridor in silence until Lyra spoke. “You don’t have to.”

“Yes, I do.” His voice was low, threaded with steel. Draven likes to see how far he can push. Don’t let him.

She stopped walking, forcing him to face her. “And what if I can handle myself?”

His gaze locked on hers, fire flickering faintly in the depths. “Then I’ll still be there." Because you’re not just some mission, Lyra. You matter.”

Before she could answer, a low, distant horn sounded, one that sent the guards in the corridor instantly to arms.

Kael’s head turned sharply toward the gates. “They found us.”