The following morning carried an unfamiliar tension, as though the castle itself had grown aware that change was approaching.
Elira felt it before she saw it.
A disruption in the air. A shift in weight, like the world had allowed something unwelcome to step inside it.
Serin noticed it too.
"They've arrived," she said quietly, hand instinctively near her sword.
Elira turned toward the main hall.
Footsteps echoed long before the figure appeared.
Lord Vaelor Dravenhart entered as though he belonged to the space more than it belonged to Kael.
Unlike the Ruined King, Vaelor wore elegance openly. His armour was polished, his expression controlled, his smile carefully constructed.
And yet something about him felt sharper than steel.
"Elira Veyl," he said, as though tasting her name.
Elira did not bow. "You are not Kael."
A faint amusement crossed his face. "Fortunately for you, no."
Behind him, General Rykor Thane stiffened slightly, as though Vaelor's presence required restraint.
Vaelor's gaze drifted toward her, studying.
"So this is the bond," he murmured. "How unfortunate."
Elira narrowed her eyes. "Unfortunate for whom?"
Vaelor smiled slightly.
"For all of us."