"I did," he said, voice low and steady, carrying across the quiet night. "I wouldn't let the moon rise without seeing you."
Aurelia's fingers flexed against her gown, almost trembling. She wanted to run to him, to throw herself into his arms, but the memory of Tenebrarum's command, the shadow of his control, held her back.
Kaelen took a slow step forward, then another. "You are safe here," he said, his tone both a promise and a challenge. "No one will touch you while I am near."
A warmth spread through her chest, easing some of the tension she hadn't realized she was holding. Yet her purple eyes searched his face, unsure. "Why… why me?"
"Because," he said, finally closing the distance between them, "even knowing the danger, even knowing the world you belong to, I cannot stop thinking about you. Not for a moment."
Aurelia felt the tension in her shoulders loosen just slightly. Her heart pounded—not from fear, but from the raw, unexpected intensity of his words. The wind carried the scent of the flowers, of the night, and somehow, of him—subtle yet intoxicating.
She took a hesitant step forward. "I… I don't know if I…" Her voice faltered, cut short by a sudden weakness that stole her words.
The poison coursing through her veins began to take its toll. Her knees buckled, and a sharp, burning pain seized her chest. Blood trickled from her mouth as she crumpled forward, the world tilting around her.
"Aurelia!" he shouted, his voice raw with panic.
In an instant, he was there, catching her before she could hit the ground. His arms were firm, unwavering, holding her against the chaos threatening to swallow her.
He pressed her close, feeling her tremble against him, her body almost weightless in his grip. His heart hammered as he scanned her face—pale, lips stained with blood, eyes fluttering weakly.
"Stay with me, Aurelia," he growled, voice low but urgent, fingers brushing the edges of her trembling jaw. "Don't you dare leave me."
Her breath came in shallow gasps, each one a battle, and he could feel the poison taking hold, pulling her strength away far too quickly.
His leg moved instantly, striding faster, almost running now. His grip tightened around her, holding her as if letting go even for a second might shatter her completely.
"I… I…" she whispered, a fragile sound, the words breaking in her throat.
"Shh," he murmured, brushing a trembling strand of hair from her face. "Save your strength. I'll fix this. I won't let you go."
He gathered her closer and moved even quicker.
The world blurred around them—gardens, moonlight, shadows—everything fading until only the two of them remained, his arms the only barrier between her and the darkness trying to claim her.
Her fingers curled weakly around the fabric of his tunic, seeking comfort, seeking him.
"Kaelen…" she breathed, barely audible.
"I'm here," he answered instantly, his voice steady despite the fear tightening his chest. "I'm right here."
But even as he said it, he could feel her slipping, her body growing heavier in his hold.
And he knew—
If he didn't reach help soon, he might lose her.
Aurelia's eyelids fluttered, too heavy, too slow.
Her body trembled in his arms, each breath weaker than the last.
"No—no, stay with me," Kaelen urged, tightening his grip as he reached the healer's wing. The halls were silent, dark, every door shut. Everyone was asleep.
Kaelen didn't knock for permission.
His foot slammed against the healer's door.
CRAAACK—
The wood burst open, crashing into the wall and jolting the sleeping healers awake. Robes rustled, candles flickered, and startled faces turned toward him.
But Kaelen didn't care.
He held Aurelia tighter, her body shaking violently in his arms, her violet eyes already losing their glow.
"Help her," he growled—no, pleaded—voice cracking despite his attempt to stay composed. "Now."
One of the healers rushed forward, hands trembling as he touched the side of Aurelia's neck.
His breath froze.
"Poison."
Kaelen's head snapped toward him. "What kind?"
"A strong one… meant to weaken slowly over days, not kill quickly." The healer's expression darkened. "But something has triggered it—forced it to spread faster."
Aurelia whimpered, just barely.
Kaelen knelt beside the healer's table, refusing to loosen his grip on her as her eyelids fluttered, slower… slower…
Her violet irises were fading—washed-out, losing their fire.
Kaelen's heart clenched with a fear he had never known.
"Look at me," he whispered, brushing her cheek with a shaking thumb. "Aurelia, stay with me."
She tried.
Her lips parted as if to answer, but only air escaped.
Her eyes rolled weakly, struggling to find him.
The healer hurried, gathering herbs, powders, and glowing vials, working frantically—but Kaelen barely saw any of it.
He saw only her.
Her fading eyes. Her trembling fingers trying to reach him. Her breaths growing shallower by the second.
"Aurelia," he whispered again, voice breaking.
For the first time, the prince who never feared anything… looked truly terrified.
The healer's hands trembled as she worked, crushing herbs with desperate speed. The pestle slammed against the stone bowl again and again, the scent of bitter roots filling the air.
Kaelen stood behind her, cradling Aurelia against his chest.
Her skin was turning cold.
Her violet eyes—usually bright and stubborn—were dulling, paling, fluttering half-closed.
He felt something inside him break.
This is the only lady who melted my heart…
He whispered, his voice shaking with a fury he'd never known.
I love her—more than I ever expected to.
"Be fast!" he barked, voice cracking. "She doesn't have time!"
"I'm trying, my prince—this poison is advanced," the healer replied, grinding faster until the herbs became a thick green paste. "You know we healers cannot draw poison from the body with our powers. If I try, I die. This… this is the only way."
Kaelen barely heard her; all his attention was on Aurelia.
Her breathing was thin.
Her lashes fluttered like she couldn't decide whether to stay awake or let the darkness take her.
Her body trembled in his arms.
"Aurelia," he whispered urgently, brushing her cheek with his thumb. "Open your eyes. Stay with me. Please…"
Her lips parted, but no sound came.
His heart dropped.
The healer grabbed a bowl, pouring hot water over the herb mixture until it turned into a steaming, thick remedy.
"It's ready—but she must drink it immediately," the healer said, pushing the bowl toward him.
Kaelen didn't wait.
He lifted Aurelia's head gently, his hands almost shaking.
"Come on," he murmured, voice raw. "Don't give up. Open your mouth."
He brought the bowl to her lips.
------------------------------
To be continued...