The moon hung low, painting the forest silver.
After the victory feast faded and the others retreated to rest, Raine wandered toward the cliff overlooking the Vale. The stars stretched above her like ancient runes—silent, patient, watching.
She didn't need to turn to know he was behind her.
"I thought you were asleep," she murmured.
Xavier stepped beside her, his scent familiar and grounding. "Couldn't. Not with you up here alone."
For a while, they stood in silence, the wind whispering through the trees.
"When the hound died," Raine said softly, "it warned us. Said she is waking. I don't even know who she is. Or if we're too late."
"You're not alone in this."
"I know. But I'm leading them now, Xavier. If I fall, others will fall too."
He reached for her hand, rough fingers brushing hers.
"And if you rise, we rise with you."
She turned to him, eyes glinting.
"Why do you always say the right thing?"
He smirked. "Because you always need to hear it."
Raine leaned in. Her forehead touched his. "What if I lose control again? What if the flame inside me burns you?"
"I'd rather burn with you than freeze without you."
The kiss that followed wasn't rushed.
It was slow, intentional, like the world had paused to give them this.
Fire met tether. Wild met steady.
And in that moment, nothing else existed.
When they finally pulled apart, the stars had shifted.
Raine rested her head on his shoulder.
"If we survive this, I want more than just war stories and burned-out legacies."
Xavier's hand traced small circles on her back. "Then let's survive it. Together."
The wind carried the scent of rain. Somewhere in the distance, thunder rumbled.
Their quiet was ending.
But their bond?
It had only just begun.