Bound by Moonlight and Magic
The air shifted the moment my foot crossed the boundary of the Flame’s Hollow. The world inhaled, like the very earth had been holding its breath, and now exhaled in slow, reverent awe.
Kael stood just beyond the pyre’s reach, his eyes searching me—not with fear or confusion, but something deeper. Recognition. Reverence. Love tangled with something wordless and ancient. I saw his throat work, his mouth part as if to speak, but no sound came.
He didn’t need to say anything.
I walked to him, the fire trailing behind my feet like a loyal shadow. When I reached him, Kael dropped to his knees.
“Don’t,” I said softly, touching his shoulder.
His hands gripped my waist as he looked up. “You’re different. Again.”
“I’m whole.”
He stood, slowly, reverently. His h
