Cold.
That was the first thing Elara felt when she opened her eyes.
Not fear.
Not pain.
Just cold.
Her lashes fluttered as she tried to focus. The ceiling above her was unfamiliar—wooden, dimly lit by a single lantern that flickered softly.
She inhaled slowly.
The air smelled like earth… and something else.
Forest.
"You're awake."
Elara turned her head.
Lucien stood near the window, his back partially to her, silver hair catching the faint light. His posture was calmer now, but something about him still felt guarded.
"How long was I out?" she asked weakly.
"Not long."
Her body felt heavy as she pushed herself up slightly. "Where are we?"
"A safe place."
She let out a small breath. "You keep saying that."
Lucien didn't respond.
Silence stretched between them for a moment.
Then—
"You scared me," he said quietly.
Elara blinked.
That wasn't what she expected.
She studied him more carefully now. The power was still there, hidden beneath control—but his voice…
It was different.
Softer.
"I scared you?" she repeated.
"Yes."
She looked down at her hands. "I didn't mean to… I don't even know what happened."
Lucien moved closer.
"That light," he said, "was your power breaking through the seal."
Her chest tightened. "So it's real."
"Yes."
Elara swallowed. "And Kael… he knew."
Lucien's expression darkened at the name.
"He's been waiting for this," he said. "For you."
"Why?"
Before Lucien could answer—
A sharp sound cut through the air.
Click.
Lucien's head snapped toward the door.
Elara's breath caught.
"Did you hear that?" she whispered.
"Yes."
Another sound.
Footsteps.
Multiple.
Lucien's eyes hardened instantly.
"Stay here."
"What—"
The door burst open.
Figures rushed in—dressed in dark uniforms, weapons raised, movements precise and trained.
Humans.
But not ordinary ones.
Their eyes were sharp.
Focused.
Dangerous.
"Target confirmed," one of them said.
Elara's heart dropped.
"What is this?"
Lucien stepped in front of her.
"Hunters."
The word sent a chill down her spine.
One of the men lifted a strange weapon, its tip glowing faintly.
"Step away from the girl," he ordered.
Lucien didn't move.
"You don't understand what you're dealing with," the man continued. "She's a threat."
Elara's breath hitched. "A threat?"
Lucien's voice turned deadly calm.
"You have no idea who you just walked in on."
The room filled with tension.
One wrong move—
And everything would explode.
The man's grip tightened on his weapon.
"We've been tracking the energy surge," he said. "Whatever she is… she doesn't belong among humans."
Elara felt those words hit deeper than they should.
Lucien's hand moved slightly.
Just enough.
And Elara knew—
If they attacked…
He wouldn't hold back.