CHAPTER EIGHT
WHEN HIS HEART SPOKE
Their relationship changed after that night.
Kael became more protective.
Elara became more confident.
They teased each other.
They argued.
They laughed.
They explored.
They became inseparable.
But Kael had a secret.
One evening, Elara discovered him standing alone near the palace balcony.
"What's wrong?"
He didn't answer.
She stepped closer.
"Kael."
He finally looked at her.
"I was supposed to send you back."
"What?"
"The prophecy said the Heartbearer must choose between two worlds."
Elara's heart sank.
"What happens if I choose Aetheria?"
"Your world may lose its last chance to recover."
"And if I choose my world?"
"Aetheria may fall."
Elara stared at him.
"So I'm supposed to choose?"
Kael's eyes filled with pain.
"That's what the prophecy says."
Elara stepped closer.
"What do you want?"
He whispered,
"I want you."
She closed her eyes.
"Then we'll find another way."
Kael smiled sadly.
"That's why I love you."
Elara froze.
"You..."
He looked at her.
"I love you."
She smiled through tears.
"I love you too."
* * *