The rain faded into a light drizzle.
Clouds slowly broke apart above the Black Ridge.
Kael stood still for a moment, breathing evenly.
The fight was over—but his body still felt heavy.
Lira stayed close, her hands pressed against his side.
"You shouldn't move," she said softly.
"You're hurt."
Kael shook his head slightly.
It's closing, his intent replied.
She felt it
the wound tightening, healing slowly under her light.
The Seer watched the road where the champion disappeared.
"He let you live," the Seer said.
"That means the heir wants you alive."
Lira looked uneasy.
"That's worse… isn't it?"
"Yes," the Seer answered.
"Alive means useful. Or dangerous."
Kael straightened fully now.
His eyes were calm.
We won this.
The Seer turned to him.
"You survived.
But you revealed something important."
Lira frowned.
"What did we reveal?"
The Seer spoke carefully.
"That your bond does not weaken under pressure."
"It sharpens."
Lira felt a strange mix of pride and fear.
"So the heir will change his plans."
"Yes," the Seer said.
"He won't rely on strength next time."
Kael felt that clearly
Then he'll aim for the heart.
Lira nodded.
"I felt it too."
The wind shifted again, but this time it was gentle.
The storm was gone.
The path ahead was muddy but open.
The Seer pointed toward the ridge.
"We cannot stay here.
That champion's retreat will not go unnoticed."
Lira looked back down the road.
"Where do we go now?"
The Seer answered:
"North of the ridge lies a city that answers to no crown."
Kael's focus sharpened.
Neutral ground again.
"Yes," the Seer said.
"But this one is different."
Lira asked, "How?"
"It shelters people the Empire can't control," the Seer replied.
"Runaways. Bonded pairs. Broken mages."
Lira's eyes widened slightly.
"People like us…"
The Seer nodded.
"Exactly."
Kael took Lira's hand firmly.
She felt his intent clearly
We won't be alone there.
They began walking again.
Each step felt heavier than before—not from fear, but from weight.
Expectation.
Behind them, the Black Ridge stood silent.
Ahead, a new path waited.
Lira leaned closer to Kael as they walked.
"Kael… are you scared?"
He paused for a moment.
Then his intent came through steady and honest.
I'm not scared of fighting anymore.
I'm scared of choosing wrong.
She squeezed his hand.
"Then we choose together."
The bond warmed.
Strong.
Quiet.
Unbroken.
And somewhere far away
The heir felt the silence after the storm.
And began planning his next move.