Training began the next day.
Magic control, combat basics, court etiquette all under watchful eyes.
But the strangest lessons happened when Kael was near.
Whenever he touched me, my power stabilized.
Whenever he stepped away, it wavered.
During one session, the curse flared violently.
I grabbed his arm.
The dark flames vanished instantly.
We froze.
Too close. Too aware.
His breath brushed my ear. "This bond… it shouldn't exist."
I whispered, "Yet it does."
Something ancient and dangerous hummed between us.
From the shadows, unseen eyes watched.
And far away, something old and monstrous awakened.