Silence filled the chamber after Arkan's words.
Lira's body went cold.
The heir… coming himself?
Kael stepped in front of her protectively.
"What do you mean he's coming?" Kael asked, voice tense.
Arkan looked directly at him.
"He doesn't trust anyone else to handle you two anymore. Not me. Not his knights. Not even assassins."
Lira clutched Kael's cloak.
"H-He's that strong?"
The Seer answered for Arkan.
"Yes. The heir is the strongest mage in the Empire after the Emperor. Some say he's even stronger."
Lira's breath froze.
Kael tightened his fists.
"Then let him come. I'm not afraid of him."
Arkan shook his head.
"You should be."
Kael's jaw clenched.
Lira stepped closer to him, voice soft.
"Kael… he's stronger than Arkan. You almost died just now…"
Kael turned to her quickly.
"Lira. Look at me."
She looked up, eyes trembling.
"I'm not letting anyone take you. Not the heir. Not the Empire. Not anyone."
She swallowed hard.
"But Kael—"
"No," he said quietly.
"I'll protect you even if it costs me everything."
Lira's eyes filled with tears.
The Seer interrupted softly:
"Kael… Lira… listen carefully."
They turned to him.
"The heir is not dangerous because of strength alone. He is dangerous because he is clever. Patient. And he always gets what he wants."
Arkan nodded.
"He will try to separate you. Break your trust. Break your bond. He knows the only way to weaken you is to put distance between your hearts."
Lira looked terrified.
"No… he can't… we won't let him—"
Arkan raised a hand.
"Your will does not matter to him. He will find your weakness."
Kael stepped forward angrily.
"Enough. What do you suggest we do? Run forever?"
Arkan looked at him calmly.
"No. You must grow faster than he expects."
The Seer added:
"And to do that… your bond needs to reach the third phase."
Lira blinked.
"T-Third phase? Already?!"
The Seer nodded.
"Yes. If you don't… the heir will destroy you."
Kael put a hand over Lira's.
"Then we'll reach it."
Lira shook her head, tears slipping down.
"Kael, I'm scared… he sounds unstoppable…"
Kael wiped her cheek gently.
"You're not facing him alone. I'm with you."
Lira leaned into him, resting her forehead against his chest.
"Don't ever leave me," she whispered.
Kael wrapped his arms around her firmly.
"I won't. Not in this life or any other."
Arkan turned away, heading toward the entrance.
The Seer called after him:
"Arkan Vale—are you leaving?"
Arkan stopped.
"Yes. I've seen what I needed."
Kael narrowed his eyes.
"Are you going to tell the heir where we are?"
Arkan looked back over his shoulder.
"If I wanted you dead, Kael… you would already be dead."
He paused… then added:
"And if I wanted the heir to find you… he would already be here."
Lira shivered.
Arkan took one step into the tunnel, then spoke one last time.
"Grow stronger.
Because when the heir arrives…
he won't show mercy."
He walked away, disappearing into the shadows.
The chamber went silent again.
Lira looked at Kael, voice trembling.
"Kael… what do we do now?"
Kael held her close and whispered:
"We survive."
"And we get stronger."
"And when the heir comes…"
His eyes hardened.
"…I'll be ready."