The land changed as they moved north.
The hills softened.
The air grew warmer.
By the time the sun reached its highest point, stone walls appeared in the distance.
Not tall.
Not proud.
But stubborn.
Lira slowed.
"That city… it feels different."
Kael felt it too.
No pressure.
No pulling at the bond.
Just noise.
Life.
Messy and real.
The Seer allowed himself a small breath of relief.
"This is Grayhaven," he said.
"A city that refuses to kneel."
As they drew closer, the gates stood wide open.
No Empire crest.
No royal banners.
Guards watched but they watched everyone.
One stepped forward.
"You're not merchants," the guard said flatly.
Lira shook her head.
"No. Just passing through."
The guard's eyes flicked to Kael's side—still stained faintly with dried blood.
Then to Lira.
Then back again.
"You can enter," he said.
"But trouble dies fast here."
Kael nodded once.
Inside, the city felt alive in a different way.
Rough voices.
Laughing.
Arguing.
No fear hiding under it.
Lira let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.
"I don't feel watched."
Kael felt it too.
Neither do I.
The Seer spoke quietly as they walked.
"Grayhaven protects its own.
But it tests strangers."
Almost as if summoned by the words
A woman stepped into their path.
Tall.
Scar across her cheek.
Eyes sharp.
"You," she said, pointing at Kael.
"You're bonded."
Lira tensed instantly.
Kael stepped half a step forward.
The woman raised a hand.
"Relax. I'm bonded too."
She turned slightly.
A man stood behind her, quiet, steady
his presence linked to hers in a familiar way.
Lira felt it.
Recognition.
The woman smiled faintly.
"You made it past the ridge.
That means you're either lucky… or dangerous."
The Seer inclined his head.
"Both, usually."
The woman laughed once.
"Good. Grayhaven needs both."
She looked directly at Lira.
"You'll be safe here for now.
But word travels."
Kael felt the warning clearly.
Nothing stays hidden forever.
The woman stepped aside.
"Come.
The city council will want to see you."
Lira's heart beat faster.
"Council?"
The woman nodded.
"They decide who stays."
Kael's intent was calm.
Then we face them too.
As they followed her deeper into the city, Lira leaned close.
"Kael… this feels like another turning point."
He felt it—and agreed.
Grayhaven wasn't a refuge.
It was a line being drawn.
And once crossed
There would be no pretending they were just survivors anymore.
They were becoming something else.
Together.