**Seraphina's POV**
The moment kael wrapped his hands around me, it felt like the walls I'd carefully built crumbled. His touch should have brought the usual warmth, but instead it burned- a cruel remainder that I'm just a monster.
I pressed my face to his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of pine and amber. For a fleeting second, I allowed myself to pretend. Pretend that I'm not a murderer. Pretend that my hands isn't smeared with the blood of the innocent child. Pretend that I deserve to feel the warmth of his embrace.
But the truth was a relentless storm, tugging at me and shattering my resolve. The little girl's laughter haunted me, the echoes of her scream shattering every attempt of solace.
Kael whispered promises -word of strength and defiance -but I couldn't bring myself to believe him. How could he save someone has broken as me?
My fingers curled at his shirt, drawing him closer like he could suddenly blur out the storm inside me. "Kael," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I don't think I can be saved. I'm broken beyond repair."
He pulled back slightly just enough for his blue eyes to pierce into mine " you don't get to decide that, Sera, he said, his voice a low growl. "We fight this. Together. Always."
I should believe him, but I didn't. But the darkness inside me whispered: Sometimes, love wasn't enough to save a monster.
Kael led me to the palace, his grip around my wrist. The guards averted their gazes, their silence heavy with judgement. I shifted uncomfortably as I walked into the grand hall, feeling like an intruder in the sanctuary I didn't deserve.
Inside his chambers, he led me towards a sofa, bending in front of me. His expression softened as he held my hands softly. "Tell me everything," he urged. "No more running. No more hiding. Let me in, Sera."
I swallowed hard, my throat tightening. The memories I'd tried to bury surged forward, clawing at me. "It wasn't supposed to happen," I began, my voice trembling. "I didn't mean to hurt her. I....." My words broke into sobs and Kael pulled me close, crading my face against his shoulders.
"It was an accident Sera," he whispered.
"But that doesn't make it any less my fault," I shot back as tears streamed down my cheeks as the weight crushed down on me. "Now....it won't be long before my end comes."
" No," he said, his voice a low growl. "I'll protect you from anyone who dares to harm you." Kael's hand stroked my back, his touch gentle.
His words were like a lifeline, pulling me from the abyss of my despair. But deep down and I knew the road would be anything far from easy. Could Kael really protect me from the consequences of my actions? Could I ever forgive myself for what I'd done?
The answer felt distant. But for the first time in weeks, a flicker of hope stirred within me. Maybe, just maybe Kael was right? Maybe together, I could find a way to heal.
But as I looked into his eyes, I couldn't shake the feeling that loving me would be his undoing.
Kael then guided through a quiet chamber, its large window letting in a stream of the moonlight. "This would be your room," he said, gesturing towards the space. "You'll be safe here."
I nodded, taking in his words.
Then he turned towards me, his expression serious. "We start training tomorrow. I'll train you to control your magic."
I hesistated, the weight of his words sinking in. In reality, I would have loved to get rid of the magic altogether. I nodded anyway. "Okay," I said softly.
That night, as I lay on the unfamiliar bed, sleep eluded me. Memories of the little girl’s laughter and the deadly silence that followed haunted me
The next morning, I woke up early to the sound of a knock at my door. Kael stood at the other, dressed in a simple training gear. His hair was slightly dishealved and for a moment, I was struck by how human he looked-less like a king and more like a common man.
"Ready?" He asked, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Ready as I'll ever be," I replied, though my chest pounded with fear and anticipation.
He led me to the training ground, a sprawling space surrounded by towering stones. "We'll start with the basics," Kael said, his tone firm and patient. "Control comes with discipline. You need to understand your magic before you can control it."
He stood before me, his posture relaxed. "Now, call your magic."
I hesistated, my palms sweaty. "I can't call it Kael. It's... just suddenly possess me."
"You can do this, Seraphina. Now call it," he repeated, his voice sharper, leaving no room for arguments.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and call for the energy inside me, but nothing happened "you see..I can't do this," I said, my voice low, laced with disappointment.
"Try again," Kael urged, his voice firm yet patient.
I focused, reaching deep within myself for the magic, but all I found was a wave of exhaustion. The room seemed to spin as my legs gave out beneath me. Before I could hit the ground, Kael was there, his strong arms catching me.
His touch sent a jolt through me, an unbidden warmth that spread like wildfire. Desire stirred deep within, and I cursed myself for feeling anything in this moment. "This is no time for foolish emotions," I scolded silently.
"I'm fine," I muttered quickly, pulling away and regaining my footing.
His eyes, filled with regret, lingered on me. "I’m sorry," he said softly. "We’ll stop here for today. Get some rest. We’ll try again tomorrow."
I nodded curtly and turned, heading toward my room. My mind was a battlefield of conflicting emotions. This wasn’t the time to let feelings distract me. I needed to focus, to grow stronger.
But as I walked, something—or someone—caught my attention near the palace gates.
I froze, my breath hitching as I recognized the figure approaching.
Dark hair, a familiar gait, and an aura of danger that made my blood run cold. My stomach dropped.
"Lucian," I whispered, the name barely audible.
What was he doing here