Page 69 of Kael

“You’re not wrong.” I sigh, glancing towards the main camp, where the glow of lights bounces off the cavelike walls. “There’s a growing group who think we should just declare war. No more negotiation. No more discussion. Just… burn it all to the ground.”

“Including the queen,” Jack says.

“Including every Glowranth,” I say quietly, and the thought leaves me cold. My stomach knots tight thinking of Kael. Of his quiet voice. His steady hands. His kisses.

“I’m sure you’ve seen the others,” I add. “Apart from Kael and Prince Aelith, there are a few Glowranth who’ve joined us over time. Quietly. Carefully.”

Jack nods. “We’ve seen them. They don’t get treated well.”

“Nope,” I say, mouth twisting. “And I’ve done jack shit to prevent that.” I shake my head, annoyed at myself. “I need to do better. Iwilldo better.”

Solan studies me for a beat, then says, “Tomorrow. Come with us. When we speak with Varek.”

“I’ll set it up,” I promise. It’s the right thing to do. “He won’t ask what it’s about. I’ll make sure of it.”

They nod, and we pause at the junction where the canteen glows in the distance. Jamie’s still in there, probably talking Caly’s head off about dragons or space or the way food here jiggles without warning. Or maybe I’m projecting the sorts of things I was into when I was a preteen.

“Go get food,” I say with a small smile. “I’ll catch Varek now.”

We part ways, and I head towards Varek’s quarters, slipping through the quieter back path where fewer people linger. I pass one of Zeyv’s loyal followers—a thin, long-limbed dickwad with perpetually greasy hair and something unpleasant always smeared on his clothes.

He sneers at me.

I offer him the most mature, diplomatic response I can muster.

Middle finger up, baby.

He snarls but keeps walking. Wise move.

I shake my head, thoughts already spiralling back to Jack’s theory. The implications. It’s not even about Riftborn equality anymore. Notjustabout that. If someone’s playing puppet master with the rifts—choosing who ends up in Terrafeara—that changes everything.

How long have they been doing it? Why me? Why Dawson? Why Jack? Why a twelve-year-old boy? The questions feel heavier with every step I take.

And then Kael.

I’ve thought about telling him. Hell, I almost did when we were travelling to find Iris. But I hesitated. Now, though… things are different.

He’s my mate.

He would tell me if he knew anything…wouldn’t he?

Sleep keeps dragging me under.Each time I blink, it feels harder to open my eyes. I’m in bed, the covers tangled around my legs, the pillow soft beneath my cheek, and still I try to stay awake. Kael said he’d be here. He promised.

But the night’s grown heavy, stretching on and on, and there’s still no sign of him.

My chest aches. Not just with disappointment but with something sharp, something that feels dangerously close to heartbreak. I roll onto my back, staring at the ceiling. I want to believe he’ll come. I need to believe it.

And then—a knock.

I jolt upright. It’s soft, hesitant. But it’s him. I know it’s him.

I’m at the door in seconds, fingers fumbling with the lock. When I pull it open, Kael stands there like a shadow, all towering height and luminous eyes, his markings dim and his expression carved with exhaustion.

He looks wrecked, but he’s here.

Still, I don’t throw myself at him. I step aside, gentle. “Come in.”

He hesitates, just for a breath, then steps inside. I close the door and turn, already reaching for him. “What’s wrong?”

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