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Chapter 17 - chapter 17Zarith’s Wrath in the Dark

"The flashback reveals that when Kael was just a small, helpless boy, Amunet rescued him from a terrifying danger. At that time, Amunet was a powerful and mysterious woman. She didn't just give him shelter; she raised him with the utmost tenderness and care. For Kael, Amunet became his entire world.

Amunet had always been lonely due to her immense powers. Everyone either feared her or sought to exploit her. Yet, little Kael loved her selflessly, without a hint of fear. Amidst Kael's innocence, Amunet found a way to forget all the melancholy of her life. It was there that an invisible and profound spiritual bond was born.

During a pivotal moment in their childhood, while Amunet was battling an enemy (a shadow of Zarith's power), young Kael felt utterly helpless. He realized he lacked the strength to protect the person he loved most. At that very moment, he made a silent vow: 'One day, I will become so powerful that no one will dare to touch you in my presence.'

Eventually, to keep Kael safe, Amunet had to send him away, or perhaps Kael vanished to undergo intense training. After a long time, when Kael finally returns, he is no longer that small boy. He is now an invincible young man, with the sole determination to protect Amunet flowing through every drop of his blood.

Their past was that of a protector and the protected, but from that sanctuary, a lifelong vow of protection was born. Amunet gave him a life, and in return, Kael dedicated that life to her safety."At 2 AM, in the absolute silence of the night, Amunet goes to meet Kael. The moment Kael sees her, he breaks down and hugs her tightly, sobbing uncontrollably. Seeing him so broken, Amunet gently comforts him and says:

"Don't cry, Kael. Please don't cry. Do you remember how much you used to bicker and fight with me when we were little? You were always starting little arguments with me."

At her words, a faint smile touches Kael's lips despite his tears. For a moment, those sweet childhood memories feel stronger than Zarith's dark shadow and all the fear surrounding them.Kael regained his composure and gently said to her, "Please, sit down. Make yourself comfortable." As Amunet sat, she noticed ten maids standing elegantly behind Kael, waiting for his command.

Surprised and with a playful smile, Amunet remarked:

"Wow, Kael! I see you've appointed quite a few maids now. You've truly become a man of royalty."

Kael smiled back with humility, but his eyes reflected his deep resolve. He wanted to show her that he was no longer that helpless boy; he now had the power and the status to protect her like a true Queen. Kael turned to his maids and commanded in a calm yet firm voice, "Bring some food for her."

The maid bowed respectfully and replied, "As you wish, My Lord."

As the maid prepared to serve, Amunet felt a bit hesitant. She looked at Kael and said softly, "No, Kael, I won't eat. It's too late at night for this."

Kael gave a subtle smile at her protest, as if he expected her to say that. But his eyes remained fixed on her with a gentle yet firm resolve to take care of her.Kael stepped closer to her, his gaze intense and searching. In a low, serious voice, he asked, "The physical intimacy you share with Zarith... do you realize what it's doing to our bond?"

Amunet was instantly caught off guard by his bluntness. A deep flush of embarrassment rushed to her face. She looked away, cutting him off softly, "I know, Kael... I know everything. Please, just stop. I feel so ashamed."

Kael realized how uncomfortable she was, but he wanted her to know that no matter how much Zarith tried to claim her body, her soul would always belong with him.Kael looked deep into Amunet's eyes and spoke in a calm yet profound voice, 'But you have shared that same spiritual and physical intimacy with me as well. Can you truly deny that?'

Amunet replied in a low voice, almost a lingering whisper, 'I know, Kael... I know that my fate is now intertwined with both of you. The shadows of you both reside within me.'

Through these words, Amunet admitted that she is caught in a strange and turbulent dilemma on one side lies the primal and powerful darkness of Zarith, and on the other, her lifelong, pure, and deep love for Kael. She realizes that her life no longer belongs solely to herself; it is trapped between the shadows of these two powerful men." Kael's restraint finally broke. Seeing Amunet's hesitation and vulnerability, he pulled her even closer. In the middle of their intense conversation, Kael leaned in and gave Amunet a deep, passionate kiss.

Meanwhile, the ten maids standing nearby immediately lowered their heads even further. Being highly trained and loyal to their Lord, they stood as silent as stone statues. They showed no reaction, adhering to royal etiquette, but the air was thick with tension.

This kiss from Kael wasn't just an act of love; it was a reminder to Amunet that no matter how much power Zarith exerted over her, it was Kael who held the true claim over her heart and soul.After that passionate kiss, the atmosphere suddenly lightened. Amunet started laughing with a deep blush on her face. Between her giggles, she said, "Stop it! This is so embarrassing... I'm leaving now!"

As Amunet turned to walk away quickly, Kael wasn't ready to let her go just yet. As she took a few steps, Kael reached out and gave a firm tug on the end of Amunet's veil (Orona).

Amunet gasped and came to a halt, but she quickly regained her composure. With a playful smile, she swiped the veil back from Kael's grip and hurried away, escaping his reach. Kael stood there, watching her disappear into the night, a lingering smile of peace on his face.When Amunet returned to her room, she found it plunged in complete darkness. But even in the shadows, she felt a heavy, familiar presence. Suddenly, a deep, commanding voice echoed from a large royal chair in the corner.

Zarith had been waiting there in the dark all along. He slowly stood up, his crimson eyes glowing like embers in the shadows. His face was a mask of pure rage.

Zarith stepped forward, looming over Amunet, and asked in a low, furious growl—

'Where did you go so late at night? Who were you out meeting with?'

Amunet realized Zarith already suspected the truth. His anger was so intense it felt as though the very air in the room was trembling with his power. Without waiting for her answer, he gripped her wrist tightly, demanding the truth."Amunet began to stammer in fear, "I... I was just..."

Before she could finish, Zarith roared in fury. He leaned in even closer, his voice low but terrifyingly sharp, "'I' what? Huh? Say it—'I' what?! Did you think I wouldn't know? Did you think anything happens in this palace without my knowledge?"

Zarith brought his face inches away from hers, his hot breath hitting her skin. He shouted, "Answer me! Who did you go to see? That ordinary man? That Kael?!"

Amunet stood frozen, paralyzed by his wrath. Zarith tightened his grip on her wrist as if he meant to crush it, demanding an answer she was too terrified to give.

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