Shadows Beneath the Trees

The sky was darkening fast, and the forest beyond the enchanted mist was nothing like the one Liora had known all her life.

Kael moved effortlessly between the trees, even with his injuries. His steps were precise, calculated — the rhythm of someone used to danger. Liora followed as quietly as she could, but each time she stepped on a branch or rustled a leaf, she winced like a child caught sneaking candy.

“You walk like you're in a parade of flower petals,” Kael muttered without turning.

“Sorry if my wings weren't made for hiking!” she shot back with a pout.

It almost made him smile.

Almost.

But before he could answer, a sound cut through the air — sharp and unnatural. A dry snap. Then… a low growl.

Kael froze. Liora followed his eyes as twin blue lights emerged from the darkness between the trees.

Eyes. Icy blue and glowing.

“Behind me,” he ordered, his voice dropping to something dangerous. A blade of dark magic flickered into his hand, pulsing with energy.

From the shadows, a creature stepped out — unlike anything Liora had ever seen. It was the size of a large wolf, but its body was twisted, with antlers of bark and bone sprouting from its back. Its fur shimmered with wild magic, and its breath came in harsh, unnatural bursts.

“Kael… what is that?”

“Something that shouldn’t be this close to the border.”

The beast growled — then charged.

Kael moved first, shoving Liora to the side as he slashed with his blade. The attack landed, but barely made a mark.

Liora tumbled into the underbrush, heart pounding. She watched Kael fight, every strike smooth and brutal, his body moving like a weapon forged in blood and instinct. But the creature was fast — and relentless.

“I can help!” she shouted, standing.

“No! Stay—”

But she was already moving, magic crackling at her fingertips. With a sweep of her arms, she cast a blinding burst of silver light. The creature shrieked, staggering back, momentarily blinded.

“Now, Kael!”

He didn’t hesitate.

With a leap, he drove his blade deep into the creature’s side. It let out one last distorted howl before exploding into a shower of light and dark particles, dissolving into the night air.

Kael stood over it, chest rising and falling, blood and sweat glistening on his skin.

He turned to her, eyes glowing with adrenaline.

“You’re insane.”

“You’re the one who’s stubborn,” she shot back, breathless. “I told you I’d go with you — monsters and all.”

Kael stepped toward her, his golden eyes still burning, though now with something else beneath the surface.

“You could’ve died.”

“But I didn’t.”

They stood there, just inches apart. Both panting. Both trembling from the rush. Liora’s dress had a long tear on the side — a reminder of how close she’d come to being hit.

Kael’s gaze dropped to it. “You’re hurt?”

She nodded slightly. “Just a scratch… here.” She pulled aside her sleeve, revealing a thin cut across her shoulder.

He stepped in closer, reaching out. His fingers brushed her skin — careful, but firm — and pressed against the wound. His magic flowed into her, dark and warm, like velvet fire. The pain faded instantly.

“…Didn’t know elves had such warm hands,” she murmured, trying to hide the flutter in her chest.

Kael didn’t look away.

“And you talk too much for a fae.”

She smiled.

He did, too.

Just a little.

They walked on after that, quieter this time. The forest didn’t seem quite as threatening anymore — not after facing it side by side.

That night, they slept closer. Not because of the cold. Not even because of fear.

But because something unspoken had shifted between them.

The forest was alive — breathing, watching, whispering.

And now, so were they.

Together. Aligned in rhythm and breath, though neither could yet explain the strange pull between their hearts.