lilyfroty

Kael is a wandering swordsman with a haunted past. Rhia is a former healer with a secret that could change everything. When fate binds them together through an ancient oath—Blood, Oath, Fire—their lives are irrevocably altered. The bond doesn’t just link them; it transforms them, awakening a supernatural fire that intertwines their pain, presence, and power.

Hunted by the ruthless Black Hounds and shadowed by a force that watches from the ruins of a forgotten age, Kael and Rhia must unravel the mysteries of their oath before it consumes them. But every answer comes at a price, and the deeper they go, the more they realize: they are not the first to bear this curse.

As their connection deepens into something neither of them expected, they must decide—will they master the fire within, or will it burn them alive?

A tale of supernatural trials, forbidden power, and a romance forged in darkness.

Blood Hounds

Kael stood atop the ruined balcony of the palace, gazing over the broken city below. Once, this had been a kingdom of power and light. Now, it was a graveyard.

Behind him, the Herald lingered in the shadows, silent and waiting. Rhia stood nearby, watching with a healer's concern, while Fenir—his mate, though neither of them would say it aloud—was at his side, arms crossed, silver eyes unreadable.

He descended the steps into the courtyard, where the people—what few remained—had gathered. They were wary, uncertain. Some had lived here all their lives, watching their home fall to ruin. Others were refugees, survivors of war, looking for a place to start over.

Kael's voice was steady when he spoke.

"I am Kael of Vaelthane." His words carried, echoing against stone. "This kingdom was forgotten, abandoned, left to ruin. But no more. We rebuild."

The silence that followed was thick, uncertain.

Then, someone stepped forward—a woman, her hands rough from years of hard labor. "How?" she asked. "We have nothing."

Kael met her gaze. "Then we build with our hands. We start small, and we rise." He turned to the others. "Brick by brick. Stone by stone. We will make Vaelthane stand again."

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Doubt, yes—but hope as well.

Then Fenir stepped beside him, voice cool but unwavering. "He speaks the truth. I have walked these lands, seen kingdoms rise and fall. And I will tell you this—only those who dare to rebuild can call themselves rulers of their own fate."

The murmurs grew. Some nodded. Others looked at one another, as if seeing the possibility for the first time.

Then the first man knelt, pressing a fist to his heart. "I will help rebuild."

Kael nodded. This was the beginning.

The next days were filled with work.

Stone was gathered. Walls were reinforced. What little magic remained in the land was used to purify the water, strengthen the earth.

Travelers began to arrive. Word of a rising kingdom spread, and people seeking refuge, opportunity, or simply a fresh start came in search of Vaelthane.

Merchants returned. At first, cautiously. Then with more confidence. The promise of trade, of growth, was enough to bring them back.

He did not rule from above—he worked beside them. He lifted stones, built homes, stood in the sun with the workers, showing them that this was not just his kingdom—it was theirs, too.

Where there had been ruins, there was now life.

The streets were no longer empty. The sound of laughter, of hammer on stone, of voices sharing meals—this was what a kingdom should be.

Kael stood atop the gates one night, looking at the lanterns glowing below. It was real now.

Kael glanced at her. The bond between them was stronger than ever. He felt her presence even before she spoke.

Instead, she looked at the kingdom below and said, "You're making something worth remembering."

And in the distance, beyond the rising walls of Vaelthane, the world was beginning to take notice.

The Rise of Vaelthane