Kiss

The sound of cheers still lingered faintly in the corridors as I left the celebration, my footsteps echoing against the polished stone floors. Lucius had won. The kingdom was secure. Yet, as I glanced around, my mind wandered to Veryon. I hadn't seen him since the duel ended. Not that I cared—at least that's what I told myself. But something deep within stirred, a nagging feeling I couldn't quite place.

Why should it matter where he was? He was defeated, and this was over. Still, my eyes scanned the shadows as if expecting to find him lurking there. When I didn't, I turned sharply and made my way to my chambers, shaking off the thought.