Chapter 9 A Blow for Love

The morning sun had barely risen over the palace grounds, casting a soft golden glow on the gardens and the forest beyond. Lyra's eyes sparkled with excitement as she prepared for the day. Kael, in his normal human form, stood waiting quietly, his usual calm demeanor in place. Today, they were not bound by duty or danger; today, he had suggested they simply spend time together, to relax and enjoy each other's company.

Lyra's heart fluttered. Over the past days, she had grown fond of this mysterious young man. She did not yet know his true identity, the same Wolf King whose mystical form she had glimpsed long ago, and she had no idea how deeply connected their fates were. But she already felt a warm, undeniable affection for him-his gentle guidance, his playful teasing, and the protective glimmer in his eyes had made her heart lean toward him in ways she had never expected.

"Are you ready?" Kael asked, his voice low and steady. He extended his hand, and she hesitated only a moment before placing her own in his.

"Yes," she whispered. "Let's go."

They walked through the gardens, the wind carrying the scent of flowers and the faint murmur of the forest beyond. Kael had promised to show her a secret part of the palace grounds-a place where the magical creatures sometimes came out to play. Lyra's eyes widened with curiosity and wonder as they approached the edge of the forest, where shafts of sunlight pierced the trees, and the leaves shimmered as though alive.

"You really want to see this place?" Kael asked, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"I do," Lyra said, her excitement evident. "I've never seen anything like it. It's... magical."

Kael nodded, his golden eyes flickering in the sunlight. "Then follow me carefully. There are places even in this world that are not safe for those unfamiliar with it."

Lyra trusted him completely. She had grown to rely on him over the past days-not just for protection, but for comfort. The warmth of his hand holding hers made her pulse quicken, though she refused to admit it, even to herself.

They ventured deeper into the forest, where the air was cooler, and the shadows danced across the undergrowth. Tiny glowing creatures flitted between the branches, their light reflecting in Lyra's wide eyes. She gasped in delight, reaching out to touch one, and Kael chuckled softly.

"You're easily amazed," he teased gently.

"Can you blame me?" she said with a laugh. "It's beautiful!"

For a while, they wandered among the trees, laughing and sharing small stories. Lyra had begun to feel at ease, forgetting the dangers of the palace, the strange marble inside her, and even the mystery surrounding Kael. Here, in the forest, it was just the two of them-safe, quiet, and alive.

But the peace did not last long.

A sudden rustle of leaves, too sharp and deliberate to be natural, made Kael's expression tighten. He moved instinctively in front of Lyra, his body tense, ready. Before either of them could react further, a shadowy figure leapt from behind a tree, dagger glinting in the sunlight. Lyra screamed in shock, but Kael's quick reflexes had almost reached the attacker. Almost.

Lyra did not hesitate. Without thinking, she threw herself in front of Kael, pushing him to the side just as the dagger struck. Pain erupted in her side and face, and a blinding light filled her vision. She collapsed to the ground, her hands clutching her head as everything around her turned into darkness.

Kael's heart stopped. He scrambled to her side, lifting her into his arms with a strength born of fury and desperation. "Lyra! Hold on! Stay with me!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the forest.

The attacker vanished into the trees as quickly as they had come, leaving only the echo of danger behind. Kael's cloak fluttered in the wind as he carried her back to the palace, his steps fast, determined, and unstoppable.

By the time they reached the Wolf King's chambers, Lyra could barely see. Her world had become a blur of shapes and shadows, and her breathing was shallow. Kael gently laid her on the bed, his hands warm and steady as he examined her.

"You took the blow... for me," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "Lyra... why?"

Lyra tried to speak, but her voice was barely a whisper. "I... I couldn't let you... get hurt," she managed to say.

Kael's golden eyes softened. "You don't know how much that means... to me," he murmured. He knew then that he had already fallen completely for her, not just because of the plan to reclaim the marble, but because of the bravery and love she had shown him.

Over the next few days, Kael devoted himself entirely to her care. He prepared her meals, helped her move about the chambers, and tended to her eyes, which were gradually regaining sight. Every time she reached for him or leaned on him for support, his heart ached with longing. He had intended to make her fall in love with him carefully, but now he realized the truth: he had already fallen first.

Lyra, meanwhile, recovered slowly. Her eyesight improved, but she remained cautious, remembering what the maid had whispered: that the mysterious figure who visited her often at night-who bought gifts, told stories, and seemed to appear from nowhere-was somehow connected to the Wolf King. She did not yet know it was Kael himself.

She watched him quietly, trying to piece together the truth without revealing that she had already begun to suspect his dual nature. She loved the young man she knew, the one who walked with her in daylight, and the thought that he might be someone more powerful, more mysterious, filled her with both curiosity and apprehension.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room, the marble inside her pulsed brightly. She reached out instinctively, feeling warmth and connection. Kael noticed the glow, a subtle smile tugging at his lips. He knew she was beginning to understand the bond between them, even if she did not yet realize its full significance.

"You must rest, Lyra," Kael said gently, lifting her hand. "Your eyes, your body... they need time to heal."

She nodded, allowing herself to be guided to the bed. Though she could now see, she deliberately kept her eyes slightly closed, wanting to watch him, to observe him in secret, to understand who he truly was. The bond she felt with him was growing stronger every day, and she did not yet realize that their destinies, and the marble within her, were now forever entwined with his heart and life.

Kael, watching her settle, whispered softly, almost to himself, "She has already given me her heart... and I... I have already given her mine."

Outside, the night whispered through the palace, carrying secrets and the faint glimmer of magic. Enemies still lurked, waiting for the slightest opportunity, but for now, the princess and her mysterious companion were safe-bound by trust, by love, and by the invisible thread of destiny that connected them through the marble pulsing in her chest.