Lira couldn't stop thinking about the man who walked away.
The tug she felt through the bond was small but real.
"Kael… I didn't like that," she whispered.
He felt it too.
Not fear.
Violation.
Neither did I, his intent answered.
The Seer led them down a narrower street, away from the noise of the main road.
"That man will not attack you," the Seer said.
"Not openly."
Lira frowned.
"Then why look at us like that?"
"Because collectors don't hunt," the Seer replied.
"They wait.
They offer."
Kael slowed.
Offer what?
The Seer glanced at him.
"Safety. Resources. Power."
"And in return… control."
Lira's chest tightened.
"So he wants to own the bond."
"Yes," the Seer said simply.
"Or sell information about it."
They stopped near a small inn tucked between taller buildings.
"This is where we rest," the Seer said.
"Just for tonight."
Lira nodded, though her body stayed tense.
Inside, the air was warm.
Quiet.
Safe on the surface.
Kael sat at a corner table, Lira beside him.
She leaned closer.
"Kael… promise me something."
He turned to her.
She felt his attention fully.
"If anyone tries to separate us…" she said softly,
"Don't listen to what they offer."
The bond pulsed.
Strong.
I won't, his intent flowed. Not for anything.
Relief eased her shoulders.
But then
She felt it again.
A faint pull.
Closer this time.
Her breath caught.
"Kael…"
He felt it instantly.
Someone was nearby.
Not watching.
Listening.
The Seer stiffened.
"We are not alone."
A calm voice spoke from behind them.
"You're very perceptive."
Lira turned.
The same man from the street stood there now.
Smiling politely.
Hands open.
"No threats," he said.
"No tricks."
Kael stood slowly, placing himself between the man and Lira.
The man raised an eyebrow.
"Protective. As expected."
Lira's heart raced.
"What do you want?" she asked.
The man smiled wider.
"To talk."
The Seer's voice was cold.
"You should leave."
The man chuckled.
"If I wanted trouble, it would've started already."
He looked directly at Lira.
"Your bond is rare.
And the heir is not the only one who knows."
Kael felt anger surge.
The bond reacted sharply.
The man noticed—and laughed softly.
"See? Even your emotions move together."
Lira clenched her fists.
"We don't belong to anyone."
The man nodded.
"Of course not."
"But the world will try to decide otherwise."
He stepped back.
"Think about it.
There are those who want to break you…
and those who want to protect you."
Kael's intent flared.
At a price.
The man smiled, as if he heard it.
"Everything has a price."
He turned toward the door.
"I'll be around."
And just like before
He was gone.
Silence settled over the table.
Lira's hands shook.
"Kael… this city is dangerous."
Kael pulled her close.
Then we don't stay long.
The Seer nodded.
"Tomorrow, we move again."
Lira rested her head against Kael's chest.
The bond steadied her.
But deep inside
They both knew.
Running wouldn't be enough forever.
Sooner or later
They would have to choose who to face first.