A storm raged outside.
Thunder shook the walls of their shelter.
Kaela flinched slightly — memories of fire, screams, destruction.
Ryven noticed.
Without thinking, he held her hand.
"It's over," he said.
She looked at him.
"No… it's just beginning."
Lightning flashed.
Their faces inches apart.
Time slowed.
Then—
Kaela leaned in.
And kissed him.
Soft.
Uncertain.
But real.
For a moment…
There was no war.
No crown.
Just them.