CHAPTER FIVE
THE FOREST OF A THOUSAND LIGHTS
To understand her power, Elara had to travel to the ancient forest.
Kael volunteered to accompany her.
So did Lucan and Mira.
The journey was dangerous.
But it was also beautiful.
They crossed glowing rivers.
They climbed mountains.
They slept beneath skies filled with shooting stars.
And somewhere along the journey, Elara began noticing something.
Kael always watched her.
When she was tired, he slowed down.
When she was frightened, he walked beside her.
When she laughed, he smiled.
One evening, they stopped beside a lake.
The moon reflected across the water.
Elara sat quietly.
"Are you happy?"
Kael asked.
She smiled.
"Very."
"Why?"
She looked at him.
"Because I'm finally somewhere I belong."
Kael sat beside her.
"You belong here."
Elara looked into his eyes.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Kael reached toward her face and gently wiped away a tear.
"You don't have to hide them anymore."
Elara whispered,
"I don't know how."
"I'll teach you."
"How?"
Kael smiled.
"By never asking you to stop feeling."
Their faces slowly moved closer.
But before their lips could meet—
A huge roar shook the forest.
Lucan shouted from the distance.
"BAD TIME FOR ROMANCE!"
Elara jumped away.
Kael sighed.
"I hate him."
Lucan laughed.
"You're welcome!"
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