Chapter 144
Vaelor's challenge settled over the clearing, and for a moment even the wind seemed to hesitate. The air pressed in around them, dense and watchful, while Ariana remained locked against Kael's chest with his arm firm around her waist.
Kael did not answer immediately, but Ariana felt the change in him through every point of contact. His heartbeat had shifted into something heavier, slower but stronger, and beneath it, something else moved that did not feel entirely human.
"Kael," Ariana said quietly, her fingers tightening in his shirt.
"I'm here," he answered, but the words sounded forced, like he was holding himself together through them.
Vaelor watched him with quiet interest. "You always say that," he said. "Even when you are already halfway gone."
The words did not strike like an attack.
They settled.
