I place my foot in the stirrup, my heart pounding as Kael’s hand wraps around mine. His grip is strong, steady, and for a moment, I feel anchored.
As our palms meet, something twists in my chest. Then it happens—a vibrant gold light flares, rippling through me, warm and alive. A traitorous response to his touch. My breath catches, and I squeeze my eyes shut, willing the sensation to fade.
This is the second time my power has flared at Kael’s touch, and I can’t ignore it anymore. My magic—wild yet bound—seems to recognize him, to respond to him in ways I can’t explain.
Kael doesn’t pull away. If anything, his grip tightens slightly, his gaze lingering on my glowing chest with an unreadable expression. For once, he doesn’t smirk or tease.
“Are you all right?” he asks, his voice low, almost gentle.
“I’m fine,” I reply quickly, though my voice wavers.
As he helps me settle in front of him, his arms brush against mine, and I can feel the heat radiating from him. It’s infuriating and comforting all at once, and I hate the way my body seems to lean into his presence.
Behind us, Ronyn groans. “This is going to be a long ride.”
Then, we cross the threshold.
We enter the Frael Forest.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Therion rides at the front,his posture straight and alert. Every movement of his horse is calculated and efficient. His sharp eyes dart to every sound or shadow that could signify danger, his focus unwavering.
Ronyn and Seren, sandwiched between us, are an entirely different story. They seem to inhabit a world of their own, their hushed conversation peppered with muffled snickers and not-so-subtle glances in our direction. Whatever they’re whispering about, it’s enough to make Seren bury her face in her hands, shoulders shaking with barely contained laughter.
Ronyn’s voice carries just enough for me to catch snippets—teasing, exaggerated, and undoubtedly ridiculous. His dramatic gestures only make Seren laugh harder, her face flushed with joy.
Despite myself, I feel a smile tug at the corners of my lips. Ronyn is relentless in his role as her self-appointed big brother, and it’s impossible to miss how fiercely protective he is of her. He’s always been this way—brash and irreverent on the surface, but with a heart that beats for the people he loves.
“Honestly, how do you put up with him?” Kael murmurs from behind me, his voice laced with quiet amusement.
“Ronyn? He’s harmless,” I reply, my voice softer than intended. “He just wants to make Seren smile. It’s... his thing.”
Kael hums thoughtfully. “His thing?”
I glance over at Ronyn, who is now pretending to mimic Therion’s stoic demeanor, puffing out his chest and narrowing his eyes in what he probably thinks is an intimidating glare. Seren giggles uncontrollably, nearly sliding off their horse in the process.
“Yeah,” I say, shaking my head. “He’s always been like this. A clown, sure, but he’s also the one who shields her from the harsh realities of life in the slums or takes the heat when things go wrong. He’s... family to her.To us.”
Kael is silent for a moment, his gaze following mine. “Family,” he echoes, his tone softer now, contemplative.
Ahead of us, Ronyn has clearly decided to double down on his antics. He reaches over and plucks a leaf from a passing branch, placing it atop his head like a crown. “I dub thee, Lady Seren of the Hollow!” he declares, his voice mockingly regal.
Seren swats at him, her laughter unrestrained. “You’re ridiculous, Ronyn!”
“And yet, I’m your favorite,” he quips, his grin wide and shameless.
Seren rolls her eyes but doesn’t deny it. Instead, she leans slightly toward him, her earlier nervousness about the journey momentarily forgotten.
It’s a small moment, but it feels significant—a pocket of warmth in the midst of the unknown.
Kael’s voice draws me back. “You’re awfully quiet,” he murmurs, low enough that the others can’t hear.
“Maybe I just enjoy the silence,” I reply, though the edge in my tone doesn’t land as sharply as I’d like.
His chuckle is soft, almost amused. “Somehow, I doubt that. You don’t strike me as the type of woman to stay silent unless you’ve got something on your mind.”
I tense, and his grip on the reins adjusts, his hands steady but not intrusive. “I’m thinking about the temple,” I say quickly, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.
