Chapter 12 — The Breaking of Bonds

The great dining hall of Elarion glowed under chandeliers of silver flame. Nobles filled the room, laughter and music blending with the clinking of crystal goblets.

At the head of the long table sat King Reynard, calm and stern, his gaze weighing every word exchanged between Lord Valium and his daughter Lelia.

“Your Highness,” Lord Valium said smoothly, “Prince Cedric’s interest in my daughter is a great honor to our house.”

Cedric puffed up, his grin polished and insufferable. “I assure you, Lady Lelia, my intentions are entirely noble.”

Lelia’s expression remained unreadable, her eyes lowered to her plate.

Julius sat nearby, clearly uncomfortable with the entire discussion, twirling a fork between his fingers.

The mood was formal, distant, royal.

Until the doors opened.

The laughter stopped.

Kael stepped into the hall — not slouching or half-asleep as usual, but steady, awake. And beside him walked Lyren, her cloak drawn tight, green hair shimmering faintly in the torchlight.

Conversations died instantly. Even the fire seemed to bow under the weight of silence.

Whispers rippled through the nobles.

“An elf?”

“Inside the royal castle?”

“Impossible…”

Lyren trembled, clutching Kael’s arm, her eyes darting between the hostile faces.

She whispered, barely audible, “Kael… maybe we should come back later…”

Kael shook his head once. “If I wait, nothing will change.”

He kept walking until he stood at the edge of the royal table. Every pair of eyes followed him.

He bowed slightly — just enough to be polite. “Forgive the interruption, Your Majesty. I need to speak with you.”

King Reynard’s brow furrowed. “This is not the time, Kael.”

Cedric leaned forward, sneering. “Father, that’s an elf! Why is a forest creature here of all places?”

Lyren’s grip tightened. Kael could feel her shaking.

Roland rose from his seat near the wall, expression unreadable. “Kael,” he said quietly, “you’re walking a dangerous line.”

Julius watched in silence — curious, wary, knowing this wasn’t Kael’s usual mischief.

Kael ignored the stares. “She wore a slave collar,” he said plainly. “Created with demon magic — forbidden and twisted. Whoever made it sold them to greed-filled nobles across Elarion.”

The room froze.

Even Lelia looked up, eyes wide.

Kael continued, voice calm but heavy. “The collar corrupted her magic. It’s unstable and dangerous. There’s a place — an elven pond surrounded by red orchids. They call it Sylwen’s Bloom. It can cleanse corruption, but only if she reaches it soon. I’m asking permission to take her there.”

Silence.

Then Reynard’s voice cut through the air. “Denied.”

Lyren gasped softly.

Kael frowned. “Denied?”

“You’re my son’s guard,” the king said. “You have no right to leave your post, much less escort an elf beyond our borders. Roland — seize her.”

Roland stepped forward.

The temperature in the room changed.

The torches flickered.

The silver goblets trembled.

Even the air seemed to vibrate.

Kael opened his eyes fully for the first time that night — light brown, sharp, and steady.

A low hum filled the hall, magic pressing down like a mountain.

Roland froze mid-step.

“Let her go,” Kael said quietly.

Sophia, standing by Queen Seraphine and Princess Aria, placed a protective hand before them — her expression mixed with awe and fear.

Julius stood slowly, watching his friend. “Kael…” he murmured. He’d seen this look before — the one that said Kael was done pretending to be lazy.

Guards rushed in, swords drawn.

Roland barked, “Kael, you know what you’re doing is treason.”

Kael’s voice stayed calm. “Then so be it.”

One of the guards stepped forward — only to freeze when Julius raised his hand. “Stand down,” Julius commanded. “All of you.”

King Reynard’s glare snapped to his son. “Julius—!”

“Father,” Julius said, “you need to hear him out.”

Kael finally spoke, his tone soft but firm. “I don’t know why, but I want to help her. Maybe because what she’s going through… feels like what I went through — except she didn’t choose any of it.”

Julius exhaled slowly. “If you walk out now, you’ll be on the run forever.”

Kael met his eyes. “I never planned to stay.”

That single line silenced the hall again.

Reynard’s jaw tightened. “Then so be it.” He turned his gaze cold. “You’re free to go… but you are no longer welcome in this castle.”

Gasps erupted.

Even Roland looked shocked.

Only Cedric smirked, whispering, “Finally.”

Queen Seraphine rose, voice trembling. “Reynard, reconsider! This boy—”

“Enough,” the king said, not meeting her eyes.

Aria slammed her small hands on the table. “No! I won’t let you send him away!” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Kael, don’t go! Stay here — with me, with us!”

Kael looked at her quietly. Then he smiled faintly — sad, tired. “Sorry, Aria.”

She shook her head furiously, sobbing. “I hate you! I hate you both!” She ran from the hall, Seraphine following after her.

Kael let out a long sigh. He unbuckled the sword Roland had once given him and placed it gently on the table. The metallic clatter echoed like a farewell bell.

Julius approached, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Goodbye, my friend. Take care of her — and yourself.”

Kael nodded once.

Without another word, he turned and walked away. Lyren followed, her steps trembling but resolute.

Behind them, Julius turned to his father, eyes cold. “I’ll never forgive you for this.”

He left too, the heavy doors closing behind him — sealing the silence.

Reynard sat alone at the table, staring at the spot where Kael had stood. I’m doing this for the kingdom, he told himself.

If word spreads that an elf was enslaved within Elarion, war will come.

But the words sounded hollow in the empty hall.

Outside the Castle

Moonlight bathed the cobblestone path. Kael and Lyren walked side by side through the quiet streets, the city lights fading behind them.

Lyren glanced at him. “Where will we go now?”

Kael yawned softly. “You said there’s a pond surrounded by red orchids, right?”

She nodded.

“Sounds like a good place for a nap,” he said.

Lyren smiled faintly through her tears.

Together, they vanished into the mist, leaving the kingdom behind.