The figure at the edge of the road didn't move.
He stood still, half-hidden by the smoke and distance.
Lira felt a chill run through her body.
"Kael… that man…"
Kael already felt it.
Not fear.
Not anger.
Attention.
Someone was watching them closely.
He squeezed Lira's hand once.
Stay calm, his intent flowed through the bond.
They continued walking as if nothing was wrong.
Villagers moved around them, whispering softly.
A few looked curious.
Others looked afraid.
Lira tried to keep her breathing steady.
But the bond caught every small spike of her fear.
Kael felt it instantly.
He stepped a little closer to her side.
The Seer walked behind them, hood lowered, silent.
They reached the center of the village.
A small market stood there.
Wooden stalls.
Fresh food.
Low voices.
The watching presence was still there.
Lira felt it again.
Stronger.
"He's closer," she whispered.
Kael nodded slightly.
Then
A man stepped into their path.
He looked normal.
Simple clothes.
Nothing special.
But his eyes were sharp.
"You two," the man said calmly.
"You don't belong here."
The village went quiet.
Lira's heart raced.
Kael felt it and steadied her through the bond.
The Seer stepped forward.
"We are only passing through."
The man's gaze shifted to Kael.
"Shadow clings to you," he said quietly.
"And light clings to her."
Lira froze.
Kael's body tensed.
The man smiled slightly.
"Relax. If I were here to arrest you… you'd already be bound."
Lira swallowed.
"Then why are you here?"
The man leaned closer.
"To confirm something."
He looked directly at Lira.
"The Heartbind is real."
The words hit her hard.
Kael's intent flared
Move her away.
But the man raised a hand calmly.
"I am not your enemy," he said.
"Not today."
Kael didn't relax.
"Who are you?"
The man's smile faded.
"I am a watcher. One of many."
The Seer's posture stiffened.
"A Whisperer…"
The man nodded.
"The heir sent us to observe.
Not interfere."
Lira felt anger rise.
"So we're just… being studied?"
"Yes," the Whisperer said.
"And judged."
Kael stepped forward, blocking Lira fully.
"If you're done judging, leave."
The Whisperer met his gaze.
"You will be tested again soon.
Much harder than this."
Lira felt the bond tighten.
"What kind of test?" she asked.
The Whisperer's eyes darkened.
"One where saving people
means losing something precious."
Kael didn't blink.
"We'll decide that."
The Whisperer smiled faintly.
"That answer alone tells me enough."
He stepped back into the crowd.
And then
He was gone.
As if he had never been there.
The village noise slowly returned.
Lira's legs felt weak.
Kael held her steady.
The Seer spoke quietly.
"That was a warning."
Lira looked up.
"A warning of what?"
The Seer answered:
"The heir is done watching."
"He is about to act."
Kael looked toward the road leading out of the village.
The bond pulsed—strong, focused, ready.
Whatever came next
They would face it together.