Shadows in the Dark

The next few days passed in a blur of blood and battle. The siege dragged on, but Kael's mind was consumed not by the war, but by his fractured relationship with Eiran.

The mage had withdrawn, focusing solely on the fight without speaking to Kael unless absolutely necessary.

Despite the growing distance, Kael couldn't stop thinking about him.

The anger and suspicion that had driven them apart gnawed at Kael's heart, but so did the fear of losing him.

One night, unable to sleep, Kael wandered the castle grounds, his thoughts swirling.

As he passed by the mage's quarters, he heard voices—Eiran's and another's.Curiosity overcame him, and Kael approached the door, listening closely.

"…We're running out of time," Eiran was saying. "The curse is accelerating. If I don't find the key soon, it will consume him."

The other voice, one Kael didn't recognize, replied, "And if he finds out the truth?"Eiran's response was quiet, almost pained.

"Then it's over. He'll never forgive me."Kael's heart raced. What truth was Eiran hiding from him? And what did it have to do with the curse?He stepped back from the door, his mind reeling.

He needed to know the truth, but confronting Eiran now might push him further away.

Torn between his growing feelings for the mage and his need for answers, Kael returned to his chambers, more confused than ever.