Chapter 148
The clearing did not immediately return to normal after everything that had happened. The wind slowly found its way back through the trees, brushing against the broken branches and scattered leaves, but the space still carried a quiet weight, as if the forest itself had not yet decided whether it was safe to move on.
Ariana remained where she was, her hand still resting against Kael's chest, feeling the uneven strength of his heartbeat beneath her palm. It was slower now, steadier than it had been during the fight, but it was not calm. She could feel the tension still lingering in him, coiled beneath the surface in a way that made her reluctant to step away.
Kael did not move either.
