Aira slowly opened her eyes.
The first thing she felt… was silence.
Not peaceful silence—
But the kind that comes before a storm.
She sat up quickly.
Her head ached.
The crown was still there.
Heavy… unmovable.
"You're awake."
Aira turned.
Kael stood near the window, his back facing her.
Moonlight fell over him, making him look even more distant… untouchable.
"Where am I?" Aira asked.
"My chamber," he replied calmly.
Aira froze.
"You brought me here?"
Kael turned slightly.
"You collapsed."
There was no emotion in his voice.
But something about it felt… different.
Aira looked down at her hands.
They were trembling.
"I felt it again…" she whispered.
"That power… it's out of control."
Kael walked toward her.
Slow. Measured steps.
"That's because you're fighting it."
Aira looked up.
"What do you mean?"
Kael stopped in front of her.
"You're trying to control the crown."
His eyes darkened.
"But the crown… controls you."
Aira shook her head.
"No. I won't let it."
Suddenly—
A surge of energy burst from her.
The shadows in the room reacted instantly.
They rose.
Twisting.
Reaching.
Aira gasped.
"I didn't—"
"Stop resisting!" Kael shouted.
His voice echoed.
For a moment—
Everything froze.
Aira's breathing became uneven.
"What if I lose myself?" she asked, fear in her voice.
Kael's expression hardened.
"You already are."
Those words hit her like a blade.
Tears filled her eyes.
"I don't want this power…"
Silence.
Then Kael spoke again—
Softly this time.
"Power doesn't ask what you want."
Aira looked at him.
"Then teach me."
Kael didn't respond immediately.
He studied her.
Her fear.
Her strength.
Her determination.
Then finally—
"Fine."
Aira blinked.
"What?"
"If you want to survive…" he said,
"I'll train you."
Aira's heart skipped a beat.
"Why are you helping me?"
Kael looked away.
"For my own reasons."
Before she could ask more—
A loud explosion echoed through the palace.
BOOM!
The walls trembled.
Aira stood up in shock.
"What was that?!"
Kael's eyes darkened instantly.
"They've found you."
"Who—?"
Before she could finish—
The doors burst open.
A soldier rushed in.
"Your Highness! Dark forces have attacked the outer gates!"
Aira's breath stopped.
Kael stepped forward.
A dangerous aura surrounded him.
"Stay here," he ordered.
But Aira grabbed his arm.
"No… I'm coming with you."
Kael looked at her—
This time, not with anger.
But with something sharper.
Something… impressed.
"Then don't slow me down."
And with that—
The war had begun.