The square stayed silent.
No one breathed too loudly.
No one moved.
Lira felt the weight of the heir's words press against her chest.
"Walk with me," he had said.
As if it were simple.
As if it were mercy.
She looked at Kael.
She didn't need to ask what he felt.
The bond carried it clearly
If we accept, we belong to him.
Kael stepped forward one full step this time.
The heir noticed immediately.
"You don't need to answer so quickly," the heir said calmly.
"I'm offering protection. Stability. An end to running."
Lira's hands clenched.
"You mean control," she said, her voice steady despite the fear.
The heir turned to her, curious rather than angry.
"Control is a harsh word," he replied.
"I prefer guidance."
Murmurs stirred through the crowd.
The scarred woman's jaw tightened.
Kael didn't speak.
But his presence was loud.
The heir studied him for a moment.
"You gave up your voice," he said.
"That tells me you understand sacrifice."
Lira felt Kael's anger rise sharp, dangerous.
She placed her hand lightly against his arm.
The bond steadied.
The heir continued.
"Stay in Grayhaven," he said, addressing the city now.
"I will not touch you.
I will not tax you.
I will not station troops."
The crowd shifted.
Temptation moved like a shadow.
"But," the heir added,
"they come with me."
The square went still again.
Lira's heart dropped.
Kael felt it deep and sudden.
The heir looked back at them.
"You are the problem," he said simply.
"Remove the problem, and the city lives in peace."
Lira stepped forward before Kael could.
"No," she said.
One word.
Clear.
Unshaking.
The heir tilted his head.
"No?" he repeated.
She felt fear—yes.
But beneath it was something stronger.
Resolve.
"You don't get to decide who peace belongs to," Lira said.
"And you don't get to trade us like tools."
The bond flared hot, bright, united.
The heir watched it with open interest.
"So this is the Heartbind," he murmured.
"Even now… it resists."
Kael finally moved.
He stepped beside Lira, not in front of her.
Equal.
The city felt it.
The heir smiled slowly.
"Then hear my true offer," he said.
His voice lowered but carried everywhere.
"Leave Grayhaven.
Leave the people unharmed.
Walk into my lands willingly."
Lira felt Kael's answer before he gave it.
If we leave, he will come back for them later.
The heir met Kael's eyes.
"You're thinking correctly," he said softly.
"That's why you're dangerous."
Silence returned—heavy and final.
The scarred woman stepped forward.
"Grayhaven does not give up its own," she said.
The heir looked at her calmly.
"Then Grayhaven chooses war."
Lira's breath caught.
Kael felt the bond lock into place.
Not fear.
Decision.
Lira spoke, her voice shaking—but true.
"We're not leaving," she said.
"And we're not walking with you."
The heir closed his eyes briefly.
When he opened them
The warmth was gone.
"Then remember this moment," he said.
"It is the last time I ask."
He stepped back from the platform.
The city didn't cheer.
It didn't shout.
It stood.
Still.
Unyielding.
The heir turned away.
As he walked toward the eastern road, he spoke one final sentence.
Not to the city.
To them.
"When bonds refuse to bend," he said quietly,
"they are broken."
The presence lifted.
The air loosened.
But the damage was done.
Lira's legs trembled.
Kael held her upright.
Grayhaven had chosen.
And now
So had the heir.