Kael's POV
When we reached the palace gates, I knew immediately that something had changed. The air felt tighter, colder, heavy with judgment. Torches lined the entrance, soldiers in full armor crowded the courtyard, and whispers slithered through the gathering like snakes waiting to strike. Selene swayed beside me, still weak from the exorcism.
Alaric didn't hesitate, he lifted her carefully in his arms, cradling her against his chest as though she were made of glass. She didn't resist. She just laid her head against him, eyes half-closed, breath shallow.
It shouldn't have hurt.
But it did.
The moment we stepped through the gates, a wall of blades rose around me, guards leveling their spears at my throat. Their faces were cold, accusing.
"There he is."
"The traitor."
"He kidnapped the princess."
"Why did he run away with her if not to claim her?"
Their murmurs dug into my skin like thorns.
Then Damien stepped forward.
