Chapter 7: Bound by Shadows

The whisper still echoed in the room, unseen but undeniable.

Nyssa's breath was uneven as she scanned the empty chamber. Someone—or something—had spoken.

Caelan's hand went to the hilt of his sword, his entire body tense. "Did you hear that?"

Nyssa swallowed hard. "Yes."

A gust of wind swept through the chamber, blowing out the candles. Darkness swallowed them whole.

Then—a faint glow.

Nyssa's heart pounded as runes lit up on the stone walls, forming strange patterns. She didn't recognize them, but she felt their power.

Caelan stepped forward cautiously, his jaw clenched. "This is magic."

Nyssa whispered, "It's a warning."

The runes pulsed, and a voice—this time clearer—filled the room.

"The bond will either save you… or destroy you."

Nyssa shivered. She knew that voice.

It was the same one from her vision at the temple.

And that could only mean one thing—fate was already at work.

---

The Price of Power

The glow faded. The chamber returned to silence.

Caelan exhaled sharply. "This isn't normal."

Nyssa turned to him, her fists clenched. "You think I don't know that? Whatever this bond is, it's more than just a marriage. It's… something bigger."

Caelan studied her, then nodded. "Then we need answers."

Nyssa bit her lip. "The Order of the Veil."

Caelan's expression darkened. "You think they're behind this?"

Nyssa shook her head. "I don't know. But if they want to control fate, they'll come for us."

A tense silence stretched between them. Then, Caelan said, "Then we go to them first."

Nyssa blinked. "What?"

Caelan's gaze burned. "If they're watching us, it's time we let them know—we're watching back."

Nyssa's heart pounded. Going after the Order of the Veil?

That was a death wish.

But something in Caelan's eyes told her they didn't have a choice.

And for the first time, she wasn't sure if fate was on their side.