Chapter Five – The Blood Moon's Prophecy
Aria didn't sleep even after Kael left.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw him. The way his hand had felt in hers—warm, strong, steady—lingered in her mind far too vividly. Her heart was still beating too fast. Why do I feel this way about him? she wondered, frustrated with herself. He was cold, infuriating, and dangerous. And yet, there was something about him… something that drew her closer even when she knew she should run.
By the time pale light filtered through the windows, she gave up trying to rest. She decided to find Kael.
---
The castle was alive with activity that morning. For the first time, Aria saw people—warriors with black armor, servants moving silently through the corridors, and strange, pale creatures that looked almost human but with faint glowing eyes. None of them spared her more than a glance, though their wariness was palpable.
When she reached the throne room, Kael was already there.
He stood at the far end, near a massive stone throne carved with symbols she didn't understand. He looked every inch a king, dressed in dark armor that hugged his broad shoulders. His sword was at his side, but his expression was distant, as if lost in thought.
When he saw her, his eyes narrowed slightly.
"You're up early," he said.
"You said you'd answer my questions," Aria replied, trying to sound braver than she felt. "Last night, I heard you talking about… an heir. What did you mean?"
Kael's jaw tightened. He walked toward her slowly, each step echoing in the vast chamber.
"You shouldn't have heard that," he said.
"Well, I did," she shot back, folding her arms. "And I'm not leaving until you explain."
---
He stopped just in front of her, his height forcing her to tilt her head up. His gaze burned into hers, and for a long moment, he said nothing. Then, with a quiet sigh, he spoke.
"The curse on this land isn't just mine," he said. "It's woven into the very blood of my line. Long ago, a witch I trusted betrayed me. She cursed me to watch my kingdom fall into ruin. The only way to break it is to create a bond strong enough to overpower her magic. A bond of blood and soul."
Aria frowned. "A bond of… blood?"
Kael's eyes darkened. "An heir. A child born not of duty, but of true love. A soul untouched by darkness. Only that life can break the curse and restore Tharos."
Her heart skipped. "A child?"
"Yes." His voice softened slightly, almost bitter. "But I will never force such a fate onto someone. I would rather let this realm fall than condemn an innocent to suffer my curse."
---
Aria didn't know what to say. She could see the weight of his words in the way his shoulders tightened, the shadow in his eyes. He wasn't just cold—he was carrying something crushing, something that made him believe he didn't deserve happiness.
"Is that why the blood moon brought me here?" she asked quietly.
Kael's gaze flicked to hers, sharp but unreadable. "Perhaps. Or perhaps it's just another cruel trick of fate."
Aria's chest tightened. She hated the way he sounded—as if he'd already accepted his own death.
"Maybe fate isn't as cruel as you think," she said before she could stop herself.
His lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You know nothing of fate, Aria."
---
Before she could answer, the doors to the throne room slammed open. The dark-haired woman from before—Kael's commander—stormed in.
"My king, the Nightborn have breached the outer wall!"
Kael's expression hardened instantly. "Prepare the guards. I'll handle the northern gate."
Aria's heart pounded. "You're going out there?"
Kael glanced at her, his gaze softening for just a moment. "Stay here. No matter what happens, do not leave this room."
"Kael—"
But he was already moving, his black-fire sword flashing as he strode out with his commander.
---
Aria waited for what felt like hours. The sounds of battle—screams, roars, and the clash of steel—echoed through the halls. She paced the throne room, biting her lip until she tasted blood.
When the doors finally opened, Kael stumbled in. His armor was splattered with black blood, his silver hair damp with sweat.
"You're hurt," Aria gasped, rushing toward him.
"It's nothing," he said, though his breathing was ragged.
"You're bleeding!" She reached for his arm, and to her surprise, he didn't pull away. Her fingers brushed over his skin where the armor was cracked, and she felt the heat of him, the tension in his muscles.
For a moment, their eyes met.
The world seemed to fall silent.
---
Kael spoke first, his voice lower, softer. "Why do you care, Aria?"
She froze. "What?"
"Why do you care if I bleed? If I die?" His glowing eyes searched hers, as if he truly didn't understand.
Aria swallowed hard. "Because you're not just some cursed king to me. You saved me. Twice. And… and I don't want to see you disappear."
His breath hitched slightly. He stared at her as if no one had ever said something like that to him.
Slowly, Kael raised a hand, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. The touch sent a jolt through her, and she found herself leaning closer without meaning to.
"Aria…" he murmured, her name like a prayer on his lips.
Their faces were inches apart, her pulse racing—
---
The commander burst in again. "The southern wall is failing. We need you."
Kael pulled back instantly, his expression hardening. He turned to Aria. "Stay here. This isn't over."
Then he was gone.
---
Aria stood frozen for a long moment, her face hot, her heart thundering.
She touched her lips, even though they hadn't kissed. She could still feel the ghost of his warmth, his voice echoing in her ears.
She didn't know what was happening between them, but one thing was clear—Kael was more than a cursed king. And she was starting to wonder if she was meant to be more than just a lost girl in his world.