[YOU ABSOLUTE BASTARD!]

Kael pushed open the door to his chambers.

Outside, rain whispered against the glass like secrets meant to stay buried.

Inside, the air was thick—wet with humidity and something worse:

Dread.

Selene sat at the edge of the bed, knees drawn in, white hair spilling down over a black gown that clung like a shadow.

She looked up as he entered—and there it was.

Worry.

Bare, raw, human.

Before he could speak, she was already on her feet, arms wound tight around him like she thought he might dissolve into mist.

"What were you doing there?" she breathed into his chest.

"Even here, the rumors...Did something happen?

...Are you hurt?"

Kael let out a tired exhale.

"I'm fine, Selene.

A little mud, a few bruises, no cursed eyeballs or extra limbs.

Yet."