The morning sun broke through the thick canopy, casting pale light on the camp. The air was heavy with anticipation, the quiet before a coming storm. Elara stood near the edge of the clearing, her gaze fixed on the horizon where dark clouds gathered—mirroring the turmoil within her.
Beside her, Kael was silent but alert. His usual calm was tinged with urgency. They both knew the final battle was nearing, and with Lucien back, the fragile hope they clung to felt real—but perilous.
Evelyn moved carefully through the camp, her steps slow and measured as she tended to Lucien's wounds. The sight of her and Lucien together was bittersweet—love shadowed by pain and uncertainty.
Elara watched Evelyn's quiet strength, admiring her resilience. Though they weren't bound by the same fate, the pain of loss and fear united them in a strange way.
Suddenly, the camp's peace shattered as a scout burst through the trees, breathless.
"They're coming," he gasped. "Nyra's forces. They've found us."
Kael's eyes darkened instantly. "Prepare to fight."
Elara's heart pounded. She reached for Kael's hand, squeezing it tightly.
"We face this—together," she whispered.
The storm was here. And in its eye, their lives—and love—would be tested like never before.
The trees stood motionless, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
Elara stood on a low ridge overlooking the camp, her eyes scanning the dark horizon where the clouds rolled in like an omen. Her heart beat fast, but steady. Not out of fear—she had known fear. This was resolve.
Below her, the others prepared. Evelyn carefully tightened the bandage around Lucien's ribs, her touch gentle despite the urgency in her eyes. Lucien gritted his teeth but stayed silent. He had always been strong for Evelyn, and now, even in pain, he wouldn't let her see him fall.
Kael approached Elara quietly, his presence grounding her.
"Word just came back from the scouts," he said. "Nyra's forces have moved faster than expected. They'll reach us by nightfall."
Elara didn't flinch. "Then we fight at dusk."
He nodded, then looked at her—really looked. The wind stirred her hair, and the fading light made her eyes shimmer with unspoken fear and fire. Kael reached for her hand and pulled her gently to face him.
"Elara," he said softly, "I don't want to say this in the middle of a battle… so I'll say it now."
She blinked. "What is it?"
He brushed his thumb over her cheek. "Whatever happens tonight, whatever comes next… I'm with you. Not just in battle. Always."
Elara felt a lump rise in her throat. "Kael…"
But he pulled her into his arms before she could speak more. She melted into him, breathing in the warmth of his embrace. His arms were strong, his heart steady against hers. For a moment, the storm faded. There was only them—together, standing at the edge of the unknown.
"I love you," she whispered into his chest.
His arms tightened. "I know. And I love you too."
Below, Evelyn watched them with tired but knowing eyes. Despite her own pain, she was glad Elara had someone to stand beside her. She turned back to Lucien, whose eyes were closed, but his lips curved faintly in a smile.
"You saw them?" she asked.
Lucien nodded without opening his eyes. "Hard not to."
Evelyn chuckled quietly. "If they're our front line, I almost feel sorry for Nyra."
Lucien opened one eye. "Almost."
The soft moment didn't last. A bell rang in the trees—three short chimes. The warning signal.
Kael and Elara broke apart as the camp exploded into action. Warriors took up positions, enchantments were drawn into the dirt, and weapons shimmered under the late sun.
Evelyn helped Lucien to his feet. "You shouldn't fight."
"I'm not staying behind," he growled. "Not when she's coming."
Elara stepped forward, her eyes sharp. "Then let's finish what she started."
The wind picked up, carrying with it the faint scent of sulfur—and something colder, darker. The storm wasn't coming.
It had arrived.