Page 49 of Chains of Love

A familiar presence looms at the end of the hallway – Kaelor's massive form cast in shadow, his amber eyes gleaming as he watches me. The torchlight catches his silver-streaked fur, making him look ethereal despite his fierce appearance.

"He upsets you." Kaelor pushes off the wall, his claws clicking against the stone as he approaches. His rough palm cups my cheek, and despite everything, I lean into the touch. Our bond soothes me.

I laugh, but it comes out weak. "Seth said the same thing."

Kaelor's thumb traces the scar on my cheek – the one Darak gave me. His growl rumbles deep in his chest. "I don't like him."

The words hang between us as Kaelor studies my face. His nose twitches, scenting the air. Those amber eyes narrow, and I know he can smell my tears, my frustration, maybe even my desire. The bond makes it impossible to hide anything from them.

"But you like him," he says slowly, each word careful and measured. "And you want him to stay."

I close my eyes, unable to meet his gaze. Because he's right – I do want Darak to stay. But his choice is made.

"I need to prepare for tomorrow's ritual," I say, pushing away from Kaelor's touch. My legs shake, betraying my exhaustion. "The Day of Valentia is our only chance to break?—"

Kaelor swoops down, lifting me into his arms before I can finish. His fur tickles my cheek, carrying the scent of pine and earth. "You've done enough walking, sweet prey."

I relax against his chest, remembering simpler days when it was just the three of us. Sethrys with his riddles and schemes, Kaelor with his fierce protection. Even when they fought the bond, they never fought me the way Darak does. Never made me question everything.

"Your thoughts are loud," Kaelor rumbles, his claws gentle as they trace patterns on my arm.

"Can you blame me?"

"No." His amber eyes soften. "But you can't keep him."

The truth of it settles in my chest like lead. "I know."

"Then why torture yourself?" His grip tightens fractionally. "Why torture him?"

I press my face into his fur, hiding from the question. Because I wanted more. Because it would be so easy if he would just stop fighting what he feels—what he really feels.

"I'm not," I insist. "I'm letting him go."

The scent of jasmine and sage hits me as Kaelor carries me into the main chamber. My breath catches at the sight – hundreds of candles flicker in careful patterns across the floor, their light dancing off Sethrys's emerald scales as he places the final touches on an intricate ritual circle. Flower petals and crystals form delicate spirals between the chalk lines, and strings of dried herbs hang from the ceiling.

"Seth?" I whisper as Kaelor sets me down. My bare feet touch cool stone scattered with soft petals.

Sethrys's golden eyes meet mine. "Surprised?"

"What is all this?" I gesture at the decorations, the incense burning in copper bowls.

He slithers closer, his movements fluid and graceful. "The Day of Valentia marks two years since you brought us together." His hand cups my cheek, scales cool against my skin. "Last year was... complicated. We were all still adjusting."

"Not me," Kaelor rumbles behind me. "I was ready. You were jealous."

"That too." Sethrys chuckles. "But whether your dark elf chooses to stay or go, you deserve to be celebrated."

Before I can respond, he pulls me into a deep kiss. His lips are soft, familiar, and I melt into it as his tail coils loosely around my waist. When we part, my eyes are damp.

"Thank you," I whisper, overwhelmed by the love radiating through our bonds. Whatever happens tomorrow with Darak, I'm not alone. But without him, it will take a while to recover.

The candles flickeras I trace the final rune with trembling fingers. "Seth, would you fetch him?"

Seth's scales catch the light as he slithers toward the door. "Are you certain?"

"Just do it." My voice cracks. His concern washes over me.

Minutes stretch like hours until footsteps echo down the corridor. Darak enters, his crimson eyes reflecting the candlelight. The sight of him makes my chest ache.

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