The moment Kael remembered who had poisoned the bond, real fear entered his eyes for the first time in centuries.
The fractured world around us trembled violently as ancient darkness moved beyond the collapsing seal once more, slowly enough to feel deliberate. Watching. Waiting. The creature beside me immediately shifted closer, massive wings spreading protectively around both Kael and me while low growls rumbled through its chest.
The reaction alone terrified me. Because this creature had faced kingdoms, war, and centuries of torture without fear. Yet whatever waited beyond the fractured darkness had reduced it to pure instinctive protection.
Kael’s hand found mine immediately. His fingers were cold now. Not from weakness, but memory.
The fractured remains of our bond pulsed violently
