The mirror vale

Where truths shimmer, and hearts unmask.

The Whispering Vale was not marked on any map.

Hidden in folds of mist and mountains, it was said to reflect not one's face but one's truth. Kael never believed such tales. Until he stepped through.

Moonlight filtered through silver leaves, casting dappled light on the mirror-lake's surface. Sylis stood at the water's edge, motionless, watching.

Kael approached, boots crunching softly on the frost-laced grass. "You see anything?"

Sylis didn't turn. "Yes. And it's terrifying."

Kael stood beside him. In the water, he didn't see his own reflection. He saw Sylis, eyes ablaze, reaching for him. Not in battle. In longing.

"I thought it was cursed," Kael muttered.

"It is," Sylis replied, finally glancing at him. "Cursed to show us what we won't admit."

Kael was quiet. For once.

The tension between them had always been sharp like twin swords drawn too close. Every mission. Every fight. Every time Sylis laughed too loud or Kael stared too long.

They had danced around this for lifetimes.

"You always stood beside Aure," Kael said. "Always fought for his soul. Why?"

Sylis shrugged. "Because I believe in love. Even if it's not mine."

Kael's throat tightened. "And me?"

Sylis turned. "You're the one I stayed for."

The words hit harder than any blade.

Kael looked down, breath hitching. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"

"Because I thought you'd run."

Kael stepped forward. "And if I didn't?"

Sylis reached up, brushing wind-blown strands of hair from Kael's face. "Then maybe… we stop watching love from the edges. And start writing our own."

Their lips met like a vow no hesitation, no more hiding. The Vale shimmered around them, casting twin reflections of warriors finally unmasked.

Later, they sat beneath the whispering trees, hands intertwined, foreheads touching.

"I'm not leaving Aure or Lian, it was also good we helped them become a couple." Kael said.

Sylis smiled. "Good. Neither am I. We will also remain best friends with them and always support them in whatever. We don't have to disappear to love each other."

We would walk forward together fierce as fire, soft as dusk.

Two blades.

One bond.