23. Laia

23

LAIA

I sneak out of Irix’s bed as he sleeps deeply, a smile lingering on my lips. Somehow I feel a bit guilty being seen with him. I don’t want the others to see, not yet. I slept with him again, and it makes me feel like I’m not giving them the same attention.

I go back to my bed to sleep, but that night, Eryndor visits me once more. The screams of my friends echo in my mind, even as I jolt awake, drenched in sweat. Eryndor's cruel smile haunts me, and I struggle to catch my breath, my heart pounding against my ribs. My body trembles uncontrollably, each beat of my heart a reminder of the terror that chases me through sleep.

Why? It feels like a warning of some sort that he’s coming.

Morning comes too soon. I find myself alone with Kael, the gentle giant who has always given me peace. I need something more—comfort, perhaps?

We walk through the forest, the cool air a balm on my fevered skin. Kael moves beside me, his presence a steady anchor as we gather herbs. His eyes catch mine, and I know he sees the shadows that linger there.

“You don’t have to tell me but it might help,” he says softly, his voice a gentle murmur amidst the rustling leaves. “But if you need to talk, I’m here.”

I stop walking, my hands gripping the basket of herbs so tightly that my knuckles turn white. The words hover on the tip of my tongue, but fear holds them back. What if talking about it makes it worse? What if sharing my nightmares only spreads the darkness?

Kael steps closer, his calm blue eyes full of understanding. “Laia,” he says again, more insistent this time but still gentle. “We talked last time; you can tell me more. I’m ready to listen.”

His words break something inside me. The dam holding back my emotions cracks, and before I can stop myself, they spill out.

“I see them,” I whisper, my voice shaking. “Every time I close my eyes, I see Eryndor’s face. I hear their screams.”

Kael’s hand rests on my shoulder, grounding me. He doesn’t speak; he just listens. The silence between us is heavy but not oppressive—more like a blanket offering warmth on a cold night.

“They haunt me,” I continue, tears blurring my vision. “I can’t escape them.”

Kael’s grip tightens slightly, a reassuring pressure. “It’s okay to be scared,” he murmurs. “I told you before, you have me and my brothers. Nothing will change that.”

The truth in his words sinks into me like a soothing balm. For once, I don’t feel like running from the darkness inside me. With him by my side—just maybe—I can face it.

I hesitate, my fingers brushing the leaves of a plant. The memories press against the walls of my mind, demanding to be let out. Kael’s steady presence is like a lifeline, urging me to speak.

“I ran away after...” I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. “Eryndor... He asked me to kill my best friend.”

Kael’s expression softens with understanding, his blue eyes never leaving mine. “Why?”He asks, his tone gentle but probing.

“He... He wanted to break me,” I say, the words tumbling out now. “She was the only person who made the days bearable. He knew that if I killed her, it would destroy whatever hope I had left.”

Kael’s hand finds mine, a comforting weight in the storm of my emotions. “You refused.”

“Yes,” I say, my voice trembling. “And he... he drained her blood right in front of me. I couldn’t... I couldn’t save her.”

Kael’s grip tightens slightly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “You did what you could, Laia. You’re here now because you chose to fight back.”

He tucks a hair behind my ear and kisses me softly on the forehead. “He won’t get to you again.”

I nod as we continue gathering herbs.

We walk further into the forest, the heavy burden of my confession lingering in the air between us. Kael begins teaching me how to identify the herbs; his voice is calm and steady. He points out leaves and stems, explaining their uses and properties with patient precision.

“This one,” he says, showing me a small plant with delicate white flowers, “is good for soothing wounds.”

I nod, focusing on his words. He knows more than I do. The tension in my shoulders eases as I immerse myself in the task at hand. Kael’s calm demeanor is infectious, making me enjoy the present.

But then my foot catches on a root hidden beneath the foliage. I stumble forward, a startled gasp escaping my lips.

Before I hit the ground, Kael’s strong arms wrap around me, steadying me with effortless ease. His touch is warm and reassuring, and for a moment, I forget to breathe.

“Careful,” he murmurs, his voice close to my ear.

I look up at him, our faces inches apart. His blue eyes are filled with concern and something else—something deeper that sends a shiver down my spine.

“Thank you,” I manage to say, my voice shaky.

Kael’s lips curve into a small smile as he helps me stand upright again. “Anytime.”

I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. It's tentative, almost hesitant, as if I'm afraid he'll pull away. But Kael freezes, surprised. For a heartbeat, I think I've made a mistake.

Then his hands tighten on my waist, pulling me closer. The kiss deepens, tender and gentle, like a promise of something more. His lips are warm and soft against mine, and for a moment, everything else fades away. There's only Kael and the quiet intensity of this moment.

When we finally pull apart, my cheeks flush with heat. I step back, my heart fluttering wildly. "Thank you," I whisper, barely audibleover the rush of emotions.

Kael watches me with a soft smile, his eyes filled with something I can't quite name. It's not just gratitude or relief—it's something deeper, something that makes my breath catch.

I turn and walk away, leaving him standing there amidst the rustling leaves and dappled sunlight. As I move through the forest, the memory of his touch lingers on my skin.

For once, hope doesn't feel like a distant dream—it feels like something real, something within reach. And it's all because of Kael.

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