Page 30 of The Bloodstone Oath

Kaelor’s embrace tightened. “We depart in two days to take on Malek.

“I will come,” Selara said, her heart clenching at the thought of being separated from Kaelor.

“No, priestess.” He turned Selara to face him. “Your strength is still mending, and Bloomrest needs you as its princess and itspriestess. Let me be the sword while you remain the bridge.” His conviction glowed brighter than forge-steel.

Selara smiled up at him. “Then bring them home. Bring yourself home.”

Kaelor captured Selara lips, a gentle promise deepening into molten certainty. When they parted, the statue of Lyra seemed to smile.

Below them the revel roared, Rootborn flutes weaving through Fireforged drums, dancers circling where soldiers once clashed. Hope, fragile yet blazing, twined through the night like a living vine hunting sun.

Kaelor drew Selara back toward the chamber they now shared. The coming days held swords and smoke, but tonight the world had tilted toward peace, and love was not merely magic; it was the fiercest power they possessed.

The doors closed on music, leaving only the hush of entwined breaths and the steady promise of dawn.