Kaelvryn's hand remained at Valen's jaw while Valen's breath had not yet steadied.
The kiss had ended, but its echo lingered between them like a spark suspended in air.
She stared at him in stunned silence, her thoughts racing faster than any battlefield calculation she had ever executed.
Before either could speak, the chamber door opened, Lucas stepped inside.
He halted mid-stride.
His gaze took in the scene with quiet efficiency... the shattered interior, the broken chains, the king upright and conscious, and Valen far closer to him than any personal bodyguard ought to be.
Lucas folded his arms slowly then he cleared his throat.
The sound, though mild, cracked the charged stillness like a blade striking stone.
Valen reacted first.
She pulled back sharply, breath catching as though she had been caught committing treason rather than sharing a kiss.
Kaelvryn's grip tightened reflexively at her waist. "Stay," he said under his breath.
"My king—" she began, flustered.
