Kaelith strode through the camp, his mind already calculating the possibilities. A faction of his men missing. A scout barely alive. This was no random attack.
Seraphine kept pace beside him. "I'm coming with you."
"No." His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.
She halted, eyes narrowing. "You can't just—"
"I can," Kaelith interrupted, turning to face her. "And I will."
Seraphine folded her arms. "You don't get to decide where I stand, Kaelith."
His jaw clenched. "This isn't about control. It's about keeping you safe."
Her expression softened—just slightly. "And what if I don't need protecting?"
Kaelith exhaled, his fingers brushing her wrist. "Then let me do it anyway."
For a moment, the tension lingered between them. But eventually, Seraphine stepped back, watching as Kaelith turned away, leading his men into the unknown.
And deep down, she knew—
He was not just protecting her from their enemies.
He was protecting her from the truth.
To be continued…
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