The Seer moved quickly through the forest, his long robe brushing the ground but making no sound.
Kael and Lira followed close behind, staying alert after the Devourer's retreat.
The trees grew thicker and darker as they walked.
The air felt colder, but calmer—almost peaceful compared to the chaos before.
Lira tightened her grip on Kael's hand.
"Kael… do you trust him?" she whispered.
Kael kept his eyes on the Seer.
"I trust that he knows more than we do. That's enough for now."
Lira nodded, though she still looked cautious.
After a few minutes, the Seer stopped in front of a large rock wall covered with moss and vines.
Kael frowned.
"There's nothing here."
The Seer lifted his hand and pressed a glowing symbol into the stone.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then—
The rock wall split open, revealing a narrow passage leading underground.
Lira stepped back in surprise.
"It was hidden…"
The Seer nodded.
"This place is older than the Empire. Only the Silent Order knows its entrance."
Kael guided Lira inside, keeping his arm around her.
The passage was dim but safe.
When they reached the end, the space opened into a wide underground chamber lit by soft blue crystals.
Lira gasped quietly.
"It's beautiful…"
Small pools of water reflected the crystal light.
Ancient marks were carved into the walls.
Kael scanned the area.
"No enemies. No animals. Nothing dangerous."
The Seer stepped into the center of the chamber.
"This will be your shelter for now."
Lira sat down slowly near one of the glowing pools, exhausted.
Kael sat beside her, brushing her hair gently.
"You should rest," he said.
She leaned against him.
"I will. But… Kael, my chest still feels heavy. The bond… it's different now."
Kael touched her hand.
"I can feel it too. Like something inside us is growing."
The Seer approached them.
"That feeling is normal. The bond has moved to its second phase."
Lira looked up.
"Second phase?"
The Seer nodded.
"Yes. The first phase was unstable connection. The second phase is shared strength."
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"What does that mean exactly?"
The Seer sat across from them.
"It means your powers will start reacting to each other more often. Your emotions may influence the other. Your pain may be shared. Your heartbeat may change together."
Lira blinked.
"So… if Kael is hurt… I'll feel it?"
"Not directly," the Seer said.
"But your body will react."
Kael frowned.
"Is that safe for her?"
The Seer looked at Lira carefully.
"She is stronger than she looks. The bond chose her for a reason."
Lira lowered her gaze, unsure how to respond.
Kael placed a hand on her shoulder.
"You're not alone in this."
She smiled softly.
But then
The Seer's voice lowered.
"There is something else you both need to know."
Kael tensed.
"What?"
The Seer's mask reflected the blue crystal light as he spoke:
"Someone in the Empire knows about your bond."
Lira's breath caught.
"Knows… about us?"
"Yes," the Seer said.
"And they are moving in secret."
Kael leaned forward.
"Who?"
The Seer paused.
Finally, he answered:
"The Emperor's heir."
Lira's eyes widened in fear.
Kael's jaw tightened.
The Seer continued:
"He wants the bond for himself… and he will do anything to claim it."