But here she was, walking beside Kael into a private charity gala hosted at a sprawling mansion. Everything sparkled—the chandeliers, the gowns, the wine glasses. And everyone whispered.
"Why am I here again?" she murmured to Kael, keeping her voice low.
"Because your presence unsettles liars. And tonight, we'll be surrounded by them."
She smiled tightly. "So this is a test."
"No," he said. "This is war."
They entered the ballroom like a storm. Kael in his dark suit, Aelina in a sleek black dress that matched her gaze. Heads turned. Conversations faltered.
"You like attention," she whispered.
"No," he replied. "I just use it."
Throughout the night, Kael moved like a shadow, speaking to high-profile figures, shaking hands, exchanging coded pleasantries. Aelina stayed at his side, watching, absorbing.
"That man in red has a grudge against you," she said at one point.
Kael smirked. "Sharp as ever."
"And the woman in emerald?"
"A viper. Had my company not bought hers, she would've tried to ruin me."
Aelina sipped her drink. "Charming friends."
He looked at her. "You're the only genuine thing in this room. That's why they fear you."
---
Later in the night, Kael led her to the upper balcony overlooking the city.
"You didn't ask about the real reason I brought you."
"I figured it was because I look good in black."
He turned to her. "One of my most trusted associates is leaking information. Tonight, we'll find out who."
"You think someone will slip just because I'm here?"
"No," he said. "I think they'll panic."
As if on cue, a man approached. Tall, silver watch, perfectly trimmed beard.
"Kael," the man said, smiling. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"That's the point of a surprise, isn't it, Marcus?"
Aelina observed them silently. Something about Marcus felt off. His fingers twitched. His eyes didn't match his smile.
After he walked away, Aelina whispered, "He knows something."
Kael nodded. "And now, he knows we know."
Back in the car, Kael drove in silence.
"What will you do to him?" Aelina asked.
"I'll give him a chance to confess. If he doesn't, then I'll show him what betrayal costs."
She turned to look at him. "You make enemies quickly."
"I only make them when they deserve it."
Aelina rested her head back. "And what happens when I become one of them?"
Kael looked at her with something between pain and fire.
"Then I'll ask you to be merciful."
They sat in silence for the rest of the ride, each lost in a thought neither dared to voice.
When they reached her building, he walked her to the entrance. But instead of turning to leave, Kael paused.
"If I asked you to stay by my side in what's coming... would you?"
Aelina looked at him, her expression unreadable. "You don't need someone to guard your back, Kael. You need someone who isn't afraid to face your front."
He stepped closer. "So would you?"
She took a breath. "I haven't run from anything since I left that forest. Don't expect me to start now."
Kael gave a slow nod. "Then we'll face this together."
The air between them shifted. He didn't kiss her. Didn't touch her. But his presence lingered even after he walked away, like a promise wrapped in silence.