Chapter 140 The moment they shared
"Neither have I, apparently." Keal's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. "Sydney, you need to understand. If we do this, if we're together, you become part of my investigation. Part of my life. That means danger. That means secrets. That means living with the constant threat that someone might use you against me."
"I accept that."
"Just like that?" His voice held disbelief. "No hesitation? No demands for more explanation?"
"I've seen your research. I've heard the conversations between you and Commander Marcus. I know you're hunting whoever killed Queen Celeste. Whoever's creating the creatures. Whoever's been poisoning Lady Lila." Sydney pulled back enough to meet his eyes. "I'm already involved, Keal. Have been since I started investigating Aria. Since I chose to help you and Maya protect Lila. The danger already exists. Being together doesn't create it."
Keal studied her face like he was memorizing every detail. "You're right. Moon Goddess help me, you're right."
"I usually am." Sydney smiled. "Now, are you going to eat the food I brought? Or are we going to keep having this conversation until dawn?"
"Food first. Then conversation." Keal released her reluctantly, creating space between them. "But Sydney? This isn't over. We need to establish boundaries. Rules. Ways to keep you safe while we figure out what this is between us."
"We can establish whatever you want. After you eat and sleep properly." Sydney pushed the tray toward him. "You're no good to your investigation if you collapse from exhaustion."
Keal ate mechanically, his eyes constantly returning to Sydney as she moved around the laboratory. She organized papers. Shelved books. Cleaned chemical equipment. Making order from chaos with practiced efficiency.
"You don't have to do that," he said.
"I know. But I want to." Sydney glanced at him over her shoulder. "Besides, this gives me an excuse to stay longer."
"You don't need excuses. Not anymore." Keal set down his fork. "Sydney, I meant what I said. About you being important. About wanting you here."
"I know." Her smile was warm. "Why do you think I keep coming back?"
They worked in comfortable silence after that. Keal returned to his research, but with Sydney nearby, the obsessive edge softened. She asked questions about his findings. Offered observations from her practical experience with herbs and healing. Her perspective added dimensions to his purely academic approach.
Near dawn, when Sydney finally prepared to leave, Keal caught her hand one more time.
"Be careful. In the palace. Around others. Don't let anyone know we're..." He struggled for words.
"Connected?" Sydney supplied.
"Yes. Connected. Because if the people I'm investigating realize you matter to me, they'll target you. And I can't—" His voice cracked. "I can't lose someone else I care about. Not again."
Sydney squeezed his hand. "You won't lose me. I'm stronger than I look."
"I know you are. But promise me anyway. Promise you'll be careful."
"I promise." Sydney leaned down and kissed his forehead gently. "Now get some proper sleep. In your bed, not at this desk. That's not a request."
"Bossy," Keal muttered, but he was smiling.
"Someone has to take care of you." Sydney headed for the door, then paused. "Keal? Thank you. For not pushing me away. For being honest. For giving this a chance."
"Thank you for not running when you learned how complicated my life is." His voice was soft. "And Sydney? Sleep well."
"You too."
She left, her heart lighter than it had been in months. The danger hadn't disappeared. The investigation continued. But she wasn't alone anymore. And neither was Keal.
In the laboratory, Keal sat at his desk, touching his lips where Sydney's kisses had been. A smile curved his mouth, genuine and unguarded.
For the first time in twelve years, revenge wasn't the only thing driving him forward.
He had something else now. Something worth protecting. Something worth living for beyond solving the mystery of his parents' deaths.
He had Sydney. And he would do everything in his power to keep her safe.
Even if it meant finishing this investigation faster. Even if it meant taking risks he wouldn't normally take.
Because the sooner they exposed the conspiracy, the sooner Sydney would be
out of danger.
And Keal would burn the world to keep her safe.