CHAPTER 6:WHISPERS IN VEILWOOD

The Veilwood Forest was unlike any place Seraphina had ever known. Ancient trees towered above her, their bark carved with runes of old magic, glowing faintly under the moonlight. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and blooming nightshade, and an eerie stillness settled over the land, as if the forest itself were watching them.

For three days, Seraphina and Kael had remained hidden in the abandoned hunter's cabin, deep within the Veilwood's embrace. It was a small shelter, barely more than a wooden frame reinforced with stone, but it offered them safety, warmth, and—most importantly—secrecy.

Seraphina sat by the small fire Kael had built, rubbing her hands together as the flames flickered weakly. "This place… it feels alive."

Kael, who was sharpening a dagger near the window, glanced up. "Because it is."

Seraphina frowned. "You say that as if it's normal."

Kael smirked, testing the blade's edge. "The Veilwood is one of the last places untouched by Zephirion's influence. Its magic is older than any kingdom, older than the war that shaped the world. No army dares step foot here."

Seraphina pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders. "Then why does it allow us to stay?"

Kael's expression darkened slightly. "Because we are fugitives, not conquerors."

Seraphina fell silent, staring into the fire. She had spent her whole life surrounded by luxury and duty, but here… here she was nothing more than a woman wrapped in wool, fighting to survive.

And she wasn't sure if she missed her old life at all.

Lessons in the Dark

On the fourth morning, Kael handed her a dagger.

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "What is this for?"

Kael folded his arms. "You need to learn how to fight."

Seraphina let out a dry laugh. "I was trained in courtly combat, Kael. Fencing, staff drills, ceremonial duels—"

Kael cut her off. "And none of that will save you if the empire's hunters find us."

A chill ran down Seraphina's spine. She knew he was right. Her father would not stop hunting her, and neither would Emperor Darius. If she were caught, her fate would be sealed.

She tightened her grip on the dagger. "Teach me."

Kael's eyes flickered with approval before he guided her to a clearing beyond the cabin. The forest canopy above let in just enough sunlight to cast patterns on the mossy ground.

"First rule," Kael said, positioning himself before her. "A blade is not a showpiece. It's an extension of your will. Hold it like you mean to use it."

Seraphina adjusted her grip, feeling the cool weight of the metal in her hand.

"Good," Kael murmured. "Now, try to strike me."

Seraphina hesitated only a moment before lunging. Kael sidestepped effortlessly, catching her wrist and twisting her off balance. She let out a startled gasp as she stumbled forward.

"Too slow," Kael said, releasing her. "Again."

Seraphina clenched her jaw and attacked again and again, each strike more precise than the last. Kael countered her every move, but by the end of the day, she was faster, stronger, and sharper than before.

And for the first time in her life, she felt like she was in control of her own fate.

The Growing Shadow

By the fifth night, the fire in their cabin burned lower than usual.

Kael sat near the entrance, his back against the wall, sharpening his sword in rhythmic strokes. Seraphina watched him from across the room, the firelight casting flickering shadows on his sharp features.

"Do you ever regret it?" she asked softly.

Kael didn't look up. "Regret what?"

"Leaving the empire. Becoming an exile."

Kael's hand paused over the blade for a brief moment before he resumed sharpening it. "The empire was never my home. I was raised in its army, trained to fight its wars, but I never belonged there."

Seraphina hesitated. "And yet… you risked everything to come back for me."

Kael finally looked up, his storm-gray eyes locking with hers. "Because you were worth the risk."

The weight of his words settled deep in her chest, and for a moment, she couldn't look away.

Before she could respond, the wind outside shifted—bringing with it the scent of smoke.

Kael stood instantly, hand on his sword. "Someone's coming."

Seraphina rose, gripping her dagger. "The king's men?"

Kael's jaw tightened. "Or worse."

A shadow flickered beyond the tree line. They were no longer alone.

To Be Continued....