He took to the sky and vanished, reappearing behind a small tent.
"Good. Less crowded."
He stepped into the city, eyes moving over everything. Movement, structure, rhythm.
"This place is thriving…" he murmured.
Further in, a group of men struggled with a large stone, grunting as they dragged it across uneven ground.
Kayon slowed, watching for a moment before stepping closer.
"Where are you taking that?"
One of the men paused, wiping sweat from his brow. He pointed ahead.
"Just past that tent."
Kayon nodded once.
"Alright."
He raised his hand.
The stone lifted.
The men froze.
With a slight motion of his fingers, the stone drifted forward and settled exactly where indicated.
Silence.
Kayon tilted his head.
"Here?"
"A-ah… yes. Right there."
The stone touched down.
For a moment, no one moved.
Then
"Thank you, sir!"
The others followed quickly, voices overlapping in gratitude.
Kayon gave a small nod and continued on.
Not long after, Saeriel moved through the city when raised voices caught her attention.
"…I'm telling you, it just lifted! He didn't even touch it!"
She slowed and stepped closer.
"Hey."
The men stiffened. "Yes, boss."
" Did he have golden hair?"
They nodded quickly.
Her eyes narrowed.
"Where?"
"That way. Not long ago."
She was already moving before he finished.
The group watched her go.
"…You saw it too, right?" one muttered.
Another nodded slowly.
She reached the highest ledge nearby, scanning the narrow streets below.
There.
Walking calmly through a winding alley.
"Found you…" she murmured, a faint thrill in her voice.
She moved ahead of him, slipping into his path, timing it perfectly.
He slowed.
"…Wait. I know that face." He approached.
"Oh. Saeli, right?"
She laughed softly.
"Saeriel. And I'm doing fine. You?"
"Doing alright." His gaze flicked around briefly. "What brings you here?"
"Patrol. You?"
"Just passing time."
She turned, a small smile forming.
"Then can I show you around."
A pause.
Then
"Sure. Lead the way."
She guided him through the underground city.
Markets alive with voices. Steel clashing in training grounds. The warmth of food stalls drifting through the air.
Kayon followed, quiet, observing everything
After a while, she slowed.
"Kayon."
He looked at her.
"There's somewhere I want to show you."
He stopped her for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Alright."
She led him deeper into the cave.
The path narrowed until the walls pressed close, rough stone brushing against his shoulders. The air shifted, colder… stiller.
A faint breeze touched his face.
Cold. Damp.
Then came the sound, distant at first, a low, steady rush echoing through the tunnel.
The passage opened.
Pale blue light spilled outward.
Kayon stepped through and stopped.
A waterfall cut through the cavern, pouring into a still, glowing pool. Light rippled across the walls like something alive.
Silence.
"…This place," he murmured.
Behind him, Saeriel didn't look at the water.
She watched him.
Carefully.
Then, slowly, she crouched.
Her fingers slipped into a narrow crack in the stone.
A small rock slid into place.
A faint red glow pulsed beneath it.
She stilled.
Waited.
Nothing.
A quiet breath escaped her. When she stood, her smile returned. Soft. Controlled.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Kayon didn't answer immediately.
His gaze remained on the water.
Then
Shifted briefly to the ground.
"…Yeah," he said slowly. "It is."
A pause.
Then
"But I want to know something."
Saeriel's shoulders tensed. Just slightly.
"Y-yes?"
"What's an elf doing out here?"
Silence.
Her eyes flicked away.
"I..."
The cave shuddered.
A sharp crack split through the stone.
Kayon's eyes shifted instantly.
Too late.
The explosion hit.
Stone tore loose. The tunnel behind them collapsed with a deafening roar.
Saeriel screamed.
Kayon moved.
But not fast enough.
He lunged, catching a falling slab as part of the ceiling caved in. The impact drove him to one knee.
"Move!" he shouted.
The world compressed into dust filling the air, pressure and noise.
"Saeriel!"
Her voice cut off.
Gone.
Kayon's head snapped back.
The space behind him had collapsed completely.
Only a jagged hole remained.
His grip tightened.
"…No."
The stone above him shifted.
Cracking.
His arms trembled.
'Did she fall down there'
Then
He let go.
The ceiling crashed down as he dropped into the darkness below.
Impact.
"…gh"
Darkness swallowed everything.
Silence.
Then
"Saeriel!" Nothing.
Kayon forced himself up, one hand pressing against his ribs.
Pain flared.
"Perfect…"
A small flame flickered to life in his palm.
He moved.
"There…"
She lay motionless.
He dropped beside her, fingers pressing to her neck.
"…Alive."
A quiet exhale.
"Don't do that again…"
Carefully, he lifted her
and nearly fell.
"Shit."
His leg buckled. He caught himself, tightening his grip.
"Did i take more damage than expected."
"…Tch."
Slowly, he adjusted and lifted them both upward, setting her against the wall above.
He turned.
The tunnel was gone.
Buried.
"…Great."
His jaw tightened.
"Maybe I can"
'Master, I wouldn't recommend that.'
He exhaled sharply.
"what if I removed the stone closing the exit"
'there is a risk of the cave collapsing'
"Yeah. Thought so."
Silence.
His eyes narrowed.
"…Then what?"
No answer.
A soft groan.
"…mm…"
Kayon looked down.
"You're awake."
Her eyes fluttered open. Unfocused then locking onto him.
For a fraction of a second something shifted.
"…That didn't go as planned," she muttered.
Kayon stilled.
"Planned?"
She froze.
Then laughed weakly. "I meant expected."
His gaze held hers. A second too long.
"…Right." He let it go.
"Can you stand?"
She tried.
Failed.
He caught her.
"…No."
She leaned into him more than necessary.
He noticed. Didn't react.
"Do you know a way out?" he asked.
Her eyes shifted toward the water.
"There. Through the waterfall."
Kayon followed her gaze.
Then laughed once.
"You're serious."
"It's the only way."
He looked at the narrow passage.
Then at her.
"…This is going to get rough."
He adjusted his stance.
Pulled her closer.
"Hold on."
"Why"
"Just do it."
Something in his tone stopped her.
She held on tight.
He flew into the current.
The force hit immediately.
'Stronger than it looked.'
"Damn it"
The water slammed him sideways. His shoulder hit stone.
Pain flared.
Saeriel tightened her grip.
"Don't let go."
"I'm not"
The current surged.
The tunnel narrowed.
Rock scraped against his back as he twisted, shielding her.
Too tight.
"…We won't fit."
"Yes, we will." He gritted his teeth
Another surge for a second he lost control.
Her grip slipped yet her expression didn't break.
For a second, he thought he saw something else.
'…No. That couldn't be right.'
"Kayon!" she called out then held her mouth almost drowning.
He caught her wrist.
The current pulling at her, he struggled to pull.
Something flickered across her face. The corner of her mouth moved... then stilled.
For a second he thought he saw her smile.
He saw it.
Said nothing.
And pulled.
Light appeared ahead.
"Almost there…"
He forced forward.
Pain screamed through his body.
The opening was too small.
He shoved her through first.
Then followed.
They broke through.
He dropped to one knee.
Breathing hard.
Saeriel coughed, dragging in air.
"I… almost drowned…"
"…Yeah," he muttered. "Same."
Silence.
Kayon's gaze shifted.
To her.
She was watching him.
Too closely.
Then
She smiled.
Like nothing had happened.
He held her gaze.
Something cold settled behind his eyes.
"Not here,Not now."
"…Next time," she said quietly, "warn me."
A breath left him. Almost a laugh.
"Next time?"
He stared at her for a moment,
'She didn't panic when she should have.' he smiled anyway.
"Do you recognize this place?"
"Yes," she said quickly. "We're close to camp." She pushed herself upright, shivering.
"You must be cold." He raised a hand.
Water drained off their clothes, gathering into a floating sphere before dropping to the ground.
"Better." He asked gently lifting her.
She clung to him pressing her head on his chest "So warm…" she whispered.
"Hm?"
"Nothing." She pointed ahead.
"This way."
They moved in silence.
Dripping water echoing around them.
Kayon adjusted his grip.
Her hands tightened in his clothes.
"So… as I was asking earlier, how did you end up here? As far as I know, your kind is known for elegance, beauty… and most important never showing themselves to the outside world."
She didn't answer, holding on to him tightly.
Her fingers tightened in his clothes. "I ran away"
Kayon didn't stop walking.
"That's a lie."
She froze.
Then smiled.
"You're blunt."
"You hesitate too much."
Her smile stayed didn't reach her eyes.
"…Do you really want to know?"
Kayon stopped.
This time
He looked at her properly.
"Yes."
A pause.
"…Then put me down."
He slowly did.
She turned her back to him.
Her fingers rose to her shoulder.
She stopped.
"…Saeriel?" he called out,
She pulled the fabric aside
Just enough that.
He saw the mark.
Then she covered it. "You're looking too hard."
Kayon stepped closer glaring at her
"Planned. Smiling. Measuring."
His voice dropped.
"This wasn't an accident."
he stepped closer.
"Was it?"
"You're overthinking it," she said, trying to slip past him.
The air went still.
Kayon didn't move at first. Then his gaze lifted cold, sharp.
"I dare you," he said quietly, stepping forward, forcing her back into the corner. "Say that again."
Her mouth hung open, but no words left her lips.
"Tell me," his voice dropped, heavy enough to press against her chest, "why did you do this?"
Saeriel's hands clenched. Her breath shook. Tears blurred her vision.
"I… I have to go"
Kayon stepped in front of her.
"Run," he said flatly, "and I'll assume you're my enemy."
Her head snapped up. "No no, I'm not your enemy, I swear..."
"Then talk."
Silence.
Her voice broke. "I'm sorry…"
Kayon's expression didn't change.
"I didn't ask for an apology." A step closer. "I asked why."
She wiped at her face, forcing herself to steady.
"…I needed your trust."
His eyes hardened. She flinched.
"It wasn't supposed to go like that," she rushed. "Just a small blast enough to seal the tunnel. I didn't plan for the collapse, I just wanted to have some time with you."
Kayon stared at her, "I see."
A pause.
"So why go that far?"
She lowered her gaze. Said nothing.
His eyes narrowed.
"…Does it have something to do with that scar?"
Her fists tightened instantly.
"Answer me."
A breath. Shaky.
"…I thought…" Her voice faltered. "If you cared about me even a little"
"Get to the point."
"…the mark on my back…" She swallowed. "It means I was cast out."
"Cast out?" His tone shifted,
She nodded, lifting her trembling hands. A faint red glow flickered across her skin.
"My people are known for their great control over magic," A bitter laugh slipped through. "Mine only destroys, Anything I touch… I can make it explode."
The light faded.
"They called it a flaw a weakness."
"You mean your people despised your magic"
"No they cast me out because i couldn't control my magic," she continued, quieter now. "But my sister…" Her voice cracked. "She's still there. She's gifted she can control plants, And they won't let her leave."
"why is that"
"Because they're turning her into a Saint."
She dropped to her knees.
"I didn't know what else to do." Tears hit the ground beneath her. "I thought maybe…If you cared about me…you'd help me get her back."
Silence filled the space between them.
Kayon's voice came low.
"…Is that why you're with Dravena?"
She nodded, barely.
He exhaled slowly,
For a moment, he just looked at her.
Then he stepped forward and pulled her up, steadying her before she could fall again.
"Look at me."
She hesitated. Then did.
"I don't forgive betrayal easily," he said. Calm. Controlled. "And what you did… was stupid."
She flinched.
"But." His grip softened, just slightly. "I won't kill you for it."
"Not this time."
Tears spilled faster now. "Thank you… I swear, I won't..."
"Don't swear," he cut in. "Just don't do it again."
She nodded quickly, clinging to him now, her composure finally breaking.
Kayon held her there, as she slowly fell silent in his arms.
Back at the training grounds, Carai and Dravena clashed relentlessly, their strikes cracking through the air.
Dravena lunged. Carai stepped inside her guard and drove a clean strike into her chest.
Dravena hit the ground hard.
Carai stood over her for a moment, breathing steady. Then she offered her hand.
"Hey, Dravena… can I ask you something?"
Dravena took the hand and rose slowly.
"You love Kayon, don't you?"
Dravena's footing slipped. She fell back to one knee.
"W-what do you mean?" she stammered, her eyes shifting away.
Carai tilted her head slightly.
"You don't need to hide it."
She extended her hand again.
"Tell me the truth. Do you love him?"
Dravena lowered her head. Her hands tightened into fists.
"Yes." Her voice came out quiet. "I'm sorry."
She bowed deeper.
"But I promise… I won't make a move."
Carai's hand slowly withdrew.
For a moment she said nothing.
Then she spoke.
"I'll allow you to be with him."
Dravena's head snapped up.
"But only under three conditions."
Dravena immediately dropped to both knees, back straight.
"Yes. Anything."
Carai raised a finger.
"First, he has to choose you himself."
Dravena nodded firmly.
"I understand."
Carai lifted a second finger.
"Second, your loyalty belongs to him. Completely. In every way."
Dravena struck her chest with her fist.
"I swear it."
Carai's expression suddenly turned cold.
"And if you ever betray him…"
Her voice dropped low.
"I will kill you myself."
The air between them seemed to freeze.
Dravena didn't flinch.
"I understand."
Carai stared at her a moment longer.
Then the tension vanished as a smile returned to her face.
"Oh, and the third condition."
She leaned closer.
"I'm the first wife."
Her eyes sharpened slightly.
"So my rank will always be higher."
"Well… that's only fair," Dravena hesitated before speaking.
"I don't mean any disrespect… but why did you allow this? We only met him a few days ago."
Carai stepped back slowly, folding her arms.
"It's for Kayon."
Dravena frowned. "I don't follow."
Carai's gaze drifted for a moment, as if weighing something.
"The things he went through…" she said quietly, "really destroyed him..."
Dravena straightened slightly.
Carai continued.
"I won't let him face that kind of loneliness again. Not if I can help it."
She took a step closer.
"And strength matters. The more people that stand beside him, the harder it will be for anyone to take something from him again."
Dravena studied her. "What exactly happened to him?"
Carai held her gaze for a long moment.
Then she shook her head.
"That's not my story to tell."
A pause settled between them.
"If you want to know," Carai added quietly, "you'll have to earn his trust first."
She turned away. "Come on. Let's head back."
"Right."
They walked together for a while before separating. Dravena returned to her tent while Carai headed home.
Carai pushed open the tent flap.
Inside, Kayon quietly meditating.
Her eyes drifted to the bed.
Someone was there. Golden hair spilled across the blankets.
Carai froze.
Her throat went dry.
"What the… fuck!"