Chapter Thirty Seven.

Chapter Thirty Seven.
Taliya sat still as the maid gently fastened the final piece of gold around her neck, her fingers trembling with excitement.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she looked at her reflection and she saw a girl about to step into the unknown, a flicker of hope dancing in her chest.

She looked… beautiful. There was no denying that.

Her soft hair had been brushed to silk, falling in gentle waves over her shoulder.

Her dress was something out of a dream—light, airy, but still holding that northern edge with the embroidery along the sleeves and bodice.

Even her skin seemed to glow under the golden light of the chamber.

Lenora gave her a once-over and smiled warmly. “You look radiant, my lady.”

Taliya smiled back shyly, brushing her fingers over her skirt. “Well, this will be the first time Kaidon’s taking me to the town, so yes… I’m kind of excited.”

The older woman chuckled softly as she led her out the room, her soft shoes tapping gently against the marble.

“Master seems happy too. He’s been different since you arrived.”

Taliya blinked. “Different?”

“You bring something out in him. Something… good.”

Taliya tilted her head, a little confused. “What do you mean?”

Lenora paused, stopping right in the middle of the long hallway. Her gaze was soft, maternal even.

“Before you came, this castle was cold. Dark. Like a house that had stopped breathing. But with you here…” She smiled. “With you here, he seems more alive. I don’t know what your bond is yet, but I know this—please, don’t break what you’ve awakened in him.”

Taliya stood frozen as Lenora bowed respectfully and turned to walk away, her words echoing in the corridor long after she was gone.

Her hands curled into fists by her sides.

Why did it feel like everyone around here expected her to fix Kaidon?

She didn’t even know how to fix herself. She didn’t ask for any of this. And yet…

She descended the grand staircase slowly, heart pounding in her chest. And there he was.

Kaidon stood at the bottom, dressed entirely in black— A black coat that clung perfectly to his broad frame, black boots, even his midnight hair looked like he’d run a hand through it a thousand times.

He was talking to a man, low and serious. But the moment he looked up and saw her, he stilled.

His gaze locked onto her like she was the only thing that existed. “Leave,” he said without looking at the man again.

The man bowed once and quickly disappeared down the hall.

Taliya gave a small smile as she reached the last step. “Hey,” she whispered.

Without a word, Kaidon stepped forward and pulled her into a hug—tight, sudden, intense. He buried his face into her neck, inhaling her like a dying man would air.

“You look beautiful,” he murmured, his voice gravelly. “I don’t want to take you out.”

Taliya blinked, gently pulling back to look at him. “Y-You promised.”

Kaidon’s hands came up, brushing her cheek, threading through her hair with slow reverence. His eyes were dark, unreadable.

“I’m scared,” he whispered.

Her breath caught. “O…of what?”

“Of losing myself the moment another man dares to look at you.”

Her lips parted, stunned. “He’s seriously insane.” she thought, trying to mask the nerves with a small, nervous chuckle.

“What are you talking about? You make it sound like I’m—beautiful. I’m not.”

He didn’t laugh. He didn’t flinch.

“Yes, you are,” he said simply.

And just like that, her smile faded. She didn’t know what to say.

She wasn’t used to someone looking at her like that—except her boyfriend...Jex.

“Come,” he said softly. “Let’s go.”

She nodded, dazed, and followed him through the grand doors.

The castle grounds were as intimidating as ever, but today, the wind felt different. Softer, maybe. Or maybe she was just imagining things.

They walked a few feet before Kaidon suddenly raised his hand.

The air shimmered, then twisted—like a ribbon of energy dancing in the wind.

A moment later, a portal spiraled open before them, swirling in a soft red glow with hints of black.

Taliya’s eyes widened. “We’re going through that?”

Kaidon gave a curt nod. “You don’t need to be afraid. It’s the fastest way to the town. Using a carriage or horse would take over an hour. I don’t like wasting time. And it might stress you.”

She stared at the portal, mesmerized. It looked like something out of a dream, although it looks dark.

“Is Kaidon… really that powerful?” she thought. Something fluttered uneasily in her chest.

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. There was something dark and terrifying in the way he stood—like he could tear the sky open if he wanted.

But there was something else, too… the way he looked at her, the way he whispered I’m scared… that wasn’t power.

That was something far more dangerous.

And she was walking straight into it.

♤♤♤

Meanwhile…

Alaric’s movements were ruthless, unrelenting, and wild.

Each swing of his sword cut through the air with a sharp whistle, sweat dripping from his jaw as he trained harder, faster—as if trying to exorcise a storm inside him.

But his rage blinded him. His mind wasn’t focused, and his next strike was sloppy.

Too sloppy.

His foot slipped on the polished ground, and the tip of his own blade dragged harshly against his wrist. Blood splattered.

“Shit—” he hissed, dropping the weapon with a loud clatter.