Bonds Forged in Fire

Rose's Regret: The Slap That Cut Too Deep

The palace was silent, but Rose's thoughts were chaos. She sat alone, eyes fixed on her trembling hands—the same hands that had struck Kael.

"Why did I do that? Was it anger? Fear? Or something deeper… something I couldn't admit?"

—Flashback: The First Encounter—

It felt like a lifetime ago. The first day of council training. She remembered shaking hands with everyone—Lucas, Yue—but not Kael.

"Stay away, pervert. You don't know what these guys are capable of."

Kael's sarcastic reply had stung. "Even if I was gay, I wouldn't choose you." His words were sharp, but his eyes… they were already carrying too much pain for someone so young.

—The Jungle Trial Begins—

Three days of survival in the wild. No allies, no mercy.

She stumbled through the dense forest, exhausted and hungry. Just as her vision blurred, she collapsed against a tree.

Darkness came. But when she woke, Kael's voice was the first thing she heard: "Idiot… You're gonna die like this."

He stayed with her, risking the test's rules to tend to her wounds.

—The Boulder Incident—

A boulder fell from above. Rose froze—but Kael didn't. He shoved her aside, taking the hit himself. The memory burned. "Why would you save me after everything?" she had asked.

Kael never answered. Now she knew why—because that's who he was.

 Lucas' Doubt: Shadows of Trust

Lucas sat alone in the training room, staring up at the ceiling. His fists clenched with frustration.

"Does Kael think we're weak? Or is it worse than that… Does he think we don't care?"

—Flashback: A Brother in the Shadows—

During the jungle trial, Lucas had seen Kael dragging Rose out of danger, bleeding from his leg. Kael never once asked for help.

"Always carrying the weight alone… even when we never asked him to."

The anger simmered inside him. "You're not alone, Kael. And I'll prove it to you."

 Yue's Conflict: Duty vs. Destiny

The wind whispered across the balcony where Yue stood, holding an old charm from her childhood.

—Flashback: A Father's Command—

"You'll marry for the good of our clan," her father had said.

"No," she had replied, fire in her voice. "I'll serve this country with my own strength."

—Now: A Shattering Bond—

The thought of Kael pushing them away cut deeper than any blade. "If we lose him… the council could crumble."

 The Elite Unit: A King in the Making

The cold air in the dungeon was suffocating. Kael stood before the elite unit—six men, two women, eyes sharp as blades honed by betrayal.

"You're the council's lapdog now?" sneered their Isaac the most dominant womenin the group.

Kael's voice was ice. "I'm here to offer you a choice—help me , or rot in this place ."

the council had 8 member 

1. Selene Valtara

A dominant, mature woman in her early 30s, Selene carries a powerful yet seductive presence. She's tall, with a curvy figure, piercing violet eyes, and long black hair tied in a high ponytail. Known for her sharp intellect and cold demeanor, she commands respect effortlessly. Her body is battle-hardened but alluring, with scars marking her victories. Despite her icy personality, there's a hidden softness she rarely shows—except for those who earn her trust.

2. Aria Dorne

Another stunning woman in her thirties, Aria's beauty contrasts her brutal combat skills. She has flowing red hair, a toned yet curvy body, and an air of confidence that makes her both intimidating and seductive. Her playful smirks mask deep emotional scars from past missions. Aria is fiercely loyal but doesn't hesitate to challenge anyone who underestimates her due to her looks.

The Six Men of the Elite Unit

1. Darius Vane

A giant with rippling muscles, standing at 6'5", known for his brute strength and loyalty. His body is covered with battle scars, and his deep voice commands authority.

2. Leon Graves

Lean and fast, Leon specializes in assassinations. His sharp jawline, dark eyes, and short silver hair make him look like a predator always ready to strike.

3. Kaelen Rhys

A strategist with an athletic frame and calm demeanor, his piercing gaze often unnerves even his allies.

4. Markus Holt

The explosives expert, shorter but heavily built, with a rugged beard and playful energy. Despite his carefree attitude, his skills are deadly.

5. Eren Black

The silent sniper, lean and tall with a scar running across his cheek. His precision is unmatched, and his cold exterior hides a tragic past.

6. Rook Draven

A close-combat specialist with a wild, chaotic energy. His spiky dark hair and tattoo-covered arms reflect his rebellious nature.

A pause. The Selene 's smirk returned, slow and dangerous. *"Careful, boy… You're starting to sound like a king. If you act like this i might fall for you ( says in a teasing way ) *

—Final Words—

Kael stepped closer, eyes burning with resolve.

"Maybe it's time this kingdom had one."

[End of Chapter 7]