The vision shifted. Evelyne's laughter faltered, her gaze drawn to the shadows that pooled around her feet. Kael's eyes darkened, his hand tightening around hers as the twisted presence seeped into the very walls of the palace. The jubilation turned to horror as the embers showed fleeting glimpses of what was to come—echoes of whispered threats, faces twisted in fear, and the lingering promise of chaos.
The figure let out a low, guttural chuckle, the sound reverberating through the chamber. The crimson flames responded, surging higher, illuminating the twisted runes that lined the brazier's edge. He lifted his arms, and the shadows seemed to bow in reverence.
"The curse may be broken, but the remnants remain. A sliver of darkness, enough to twist their fate once more."
He stepped back, allowing the brazier's flames to dim, the embers crackling softly as the vision faded. Yet the unsettling grin never left his face. The darkness he had set in motion would not be easily stopped.
"Enjoy your joy while it lasts, Kael and Evelyne," he murmured. "For even the brightest stars cast shadows—and those shadows are mine to command."
With one final, lingering glance at the cursed shard, the figure pulled his hood back over his face. The chamber's oppressive air thickened as he vanished into the darkness once more, leaving the lingering scent of burnt embers and ancient dread behind.
And though the flames had dulled, the cursed fragment still pulsed faintly—a promise that the darkness had only begun to stir.
---
Morning's golden light spilled through the grand windows of the royal chamber, illuminating the silk-draped bed where Kael and Evelyne lay entwined. The weight of the previous night lingered at the edges of their minds, yet in this private sanctuary, the shadows dared not intrude.
Kael stirred first, his emerald gaze sweeping over Evelyne's peaceful form. Strands of her golden hair fanned across the pillows, her bare shoulder peeking from beneath the luxurious sheets. The soft rise and fall of her breath stirred something deep within him — a longing that no darkness could touch.
Unable to resist, he brushed his lips along the curve of her neck, the warmth of his breath drawing a sigh from her parted lips. Evelyne's eyes fluttered open, the vivid blue depths meeting his with a mixture of tenderness and desire.
"You're awake early," she murmured, her fingers trailing along the sculpted lines of his chest.
"I couldn't sleep," Kael replied, his voice low and husky. "Not when I have you like this."
She smiled, a flush of color blooming across her cheeks. The events of the previous night were momentarily forgotten as his hand traced the bare curve of her waist, pulling her closer beneath the silken sheets. His mouth found hers, the kiss slow and consuming, a declaration of the passion that ignited between them.
"You're mine, Evelyne," he whispered against her lips. "No darkness will ever take you from me."
She shivered beneath his touch, her hands exploring the strength of his body as desire pooled within her. Every kiss, every lingering caress, spoke of promises unbroken. They moved together in a slow, unrelenting rhythm, savoring the intimacy that bound them. The heat of their bodies entwined, the tension building until neither could hold back.
When at last they lay breathless in each other's arms, Evelyne traced her fingers along the scar that marked Kael's chest — a reminder of the battles he had endured for their kingdom, for her.
"Whatever comes," she whispered, pressing a kiss over his heart, "we face it together."
Kael cupped her face, his gaze fierce with unwavering devotion. "Always."
---
A soft knock at the door broke the quiet moment.
"Enter," Kael called, his voice steady.
The chamber doors creaked open, revealing Seraphina, the royal advisor. Her silver hair gleamed beneath the morning light, though her expression bore the weight of urgency.
"Your Majesties," she bowed deeply, her voice low. "The council has assembled. The matter of the shard cannot wait."
Kael and Evelyne exchanged a silent nod, determination flickering in their eyes.
"We will be there shortly," Kael answered.
As Seraphina retreated, Evelyne rose, the sapphire fabric of her gown cascading around her. The silver leaves of her crown caught the light, though even its brilliance could not dispel the shadow that loomed.
"We will find the truth," she vowed, her voice resolute. "And we will not let the darkness claim what we hold dear."
With Kael at her side, she stepped forward, ready to face the council and the secrets that awaited.
But far beneath the palace, the ember of the cursed shard pulsed once more—a heartbeat in the dark, waiting for its moment to strike.