The road to the Capital stretched long and winding before them, a ribbon of dirt and stone that carved its way through hills, forests, and open plains. Kael and Rynn traveled side by side, their horses moving at an easy pace beneath the warm embrace of the afternoon sun. The world felt fresh, renewed by the storm's passing and the Hunger's defeat.
They had left Virestead with blessings and farewells, the villagers' cheers still echoing faintly in their ears. But now, miles from home, it was just the two of them — and the silent pull of the future waiting ahead.
Kael rode with the easy posture of a man growing into his strength. At his side, the glass bottle containing the Dragon King's blood pulsed softly, hidden beneath his cloak. Veyrion rested on his back, its presence a comforting weight.
Rynn, riding slightly ahead, glanced back at him, her auburn hair catching the light like spun fire. There was a new closeness between them, something unspoken but undeniable. The battles they had fought, the fears they had faced — they had forged a bond stronger than any steel.
"You're quiet," Rynn said, her voice light but probing.
Kael smiled faintly. "Just thinking."
"About the Academy?"
"About everything."
Rynn slowed her horse until she rode beside him. For a few moments, they moved together in silence, the rhythmic clop of hooves the only sound.
Finally, Kael spoke again. "Do you think we're ready?"
Rynn laughed softly. "You faced the Hunger and lived to tell about it. I'd say you're more than ready."
"That's not what I meant." He turned his gaze to her, serious. "I mean... us. Everything that's changing."
Rynn's teasing smile faded. She studied him for a long moment, her green eyes searching his face. "Change is scary. But it doesn't mean it's bad."
Kael nodded slowly. His hand brushed against hers — a small, accidental touch — but neither of them pulled away. The warmth lingered.
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of gold and crimson, they found a spot by a river to make camp. The water sparkled under the dying light, a serene, perfect place amid the wilds.
Rynn worked quickly, setting up a small fire while Kael unsaddled the horses. They moved easily around each other, as if choreographing a dance they had always known.
After a simple meal, they sat by the fire, watching the stars prick the darkening sky. A soft breeze stirred the air, carrying the scent of pine and river water.
Rynn shifted closer, her shoulder brushing Kael's.
"You never told me what you saw," she said quietly.
Kael glanced at her, puzzled. "When?"
"When you touched the Dragon King's blood."
He hesitated. The memory was vivid, burned into him: the vision of the colossal dragon, the thundering skies, the ancient wars. The weight of destiny.
"I saw... possibilities," he said finally. "Power. Danger. Responsibility."
Rynn nodded, as if she understood more than he said. Her hand found his again, this time deliberately.
"You don't have to carry it all alone," she whispered.
The moment stretched between them, charged and fragile. Kael turned fully toward her, his heart pounding.
Without thinking — or maybe because thinking would only break the spell — he leaned in.
Their lips met, soft and tentative at first. Then, as if a dam inside them broke, the kiss deepened, fierce and hungry. Months of fear, longing, and unspoken feelings poured into that single touch.
Kael pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her, feeling the rapid beat of her heart against his chest. Rynn tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling him down to the grassy riverbank.
They moved together, fumbling and urgent, shedding layers of armor and restraint. The cool night air kissed their bare skin, but they only felt the heat between them, an inferno sparked by survival and sealed by passion.
The river whispered beside them, bearing witness to their union.
Later, tangled in each other's arms beneath a blanket of stars, Kael traced lazy patterns along Rynn's spine. She murmured contentedly against his chest.
"You're mine now, you know," she said, half-teasing, half-serious.
Kael smiled, pressing a kiss to her hair. "I was yours the moment you challenged me to that first sparring match."
Rynn laughed softly, the sound vibrating through him.
They lay there for a long time, speaking little, letting their bodies and hearts say what words could not.
Tomorrow, they would ride to the Capital. Tomorrow, they would face the trials of the Academy. But tonight, by the river, under the endless sky, they had found something rare and precious.
Each other.
And for now, that was enough.