Nernia's POV
I didn't see Kaelen for two days after that night. I wasn't sure if I was avoiding him or if he was avoiding me. Either way, the silence hung over me like thick fog—unshakable, suffocating.
Training resumed with Thorne today, and despite my best efforts to stay focused, Kaelen stood at the edge of the courtyard, arms folded, his unreadable gaze drilling holes into the side of my face.
Thorne was patient, encouraging me as I struggled to control the small orbs of water circling my palms. "You're improving," he said, stepping closer. "It's not about force, it's about feeling."
He stood behind me, his hand guiding mine, his touch gentle. I was trying to focus, I really was—but the moment I felt Kaelen's presence storming toward us, everything froze.
Kaelen's hand clamped around mine, pulling me away from Thorne with no warning. "The Queen needs to speak with you. Immediately."
I blinked, stunned. "Right now?"
"Yes," he said, jaw tight.
We walked in tense silence back to the castle. I glanced at him once, only to find his gaze fixed ahead, his grip still firm.
"She didn't call for me, did she?" I finally asked.
Kaelen exhaled slowly. "No."
I yanked my hand from his. "Then why lie?"
"Because I didn't want you near him."
"Thorne? He's helping me."
Kaelen stopped walking. "He's too close."
I crossed my arms. "You don't get to control who I talk to or train with."
He stepped closer, his voice low and strained. "I'm not trying to control you."
"You dragged me out of training!"
"Because watching you with him—" He stopped himself, turning away as if the truth was too heavy on his tongue.
"You don't even know what you want," I spat.
"I know what I can't have," he muttered.
My chest ached. "Then stop looking at me like that. Stop pretending it's nothing when clearly it is."
Kaelen's eyes burned into mine. "You think I don't want to say what I feel? I can't afford to."
"You mean you won't," I snapped. "You'd rather push me away."
His face twisted in pain. "It's safer that way."
"For who?" I asked bitterly. "Because it's sure as hell not for me."
We stood in that corridor, breathing hard, tension thick between us. His mouth opened slightly—like he wanted to say more—but he didn't.
Instead, Kaelen turned and walked away.
And for the first time, I didn't stop him.