Mira’s POV

The hall emptied after Kael’s command. I stayed long after the torches dimmed. The bond was quiet again, too quiet, like it was listening. I told myself silence meant control, but the air still carried him.

I turned to leave before my resolve cracked. Each step away felt like walking from something unfinished. I didn’t look back, though I felt him still, watching, always watching.

Then his voice came. My name. Just that. It shouldn’t have meant anything, but it did. It hit ...