Kael burst through the trees, breath visible in the crisp air. "Aira!"
She turned slowly, still trembling.
"You're pale. What happened?" He gripped her shoulders, eyes scanning her. "Did someone come near you?"
Aira opened her mouth—then hesitated. "…There was a man."
His face darkened. "What man?"
"He said his name was Sareth. He—he touched my hand. I saw things. Memories."
Kael froze. "What did you see?"
"A lifetime where we weren't together," she whispered. "Where he was the one I loved."
His grip slackened. "That's not possible."
"Isn't it?" She stepped back, searching his face. "Tell me the truth. Have I always been yours? Or is there more you haven't told me?"
Kael's jaw clenched. "You don't know what you're saying."
"Then help me understand!"
He looked away. Silence stretched between them, tense and cold.
Finally, Kael muttered, "There have been… other timelines. But I always found you. Always."
Aira's heart twisted. "But did I choose you every time?"
Kael flinched like she'd slapped him.
"I don't know anymore," she whispered. "I don't know what's real. Him… you… these visions…"
Kael stepped forward, voice low. "Let me remind you."
He kissed her then—fierce, possessive, aching. His mouth crashed into hers like he was trying to drown out the doubt. His hands tangled in her hair, gripping tightly.
She kissed him back, desperate, needing to anchor herself to something—anything.
But even as their lips met, her heart flickered.
Because when Sareth had touched her… her soul had burned.