The princess and the werewolf

led with excitement as she prepared for the day. Kael, in his normal human form, stood waiting quietly, his usual calm demeanor in place. To

ose 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

steady. He extended his hand, and she hesitat

whispered.

w her a secret part of the palace grounds-a place where the magical creatures sometimes came out to play. Lyra's eyes widened with curiosit

s place?" Kael asked, a fai

nt evident. "I've never seen an

"Then follow me carefully. There are places even in thi

s-not just for protection, but for comfort. The warmth of his hand holding

the undergrowth. Tiny glowing creatures flitted between the branches, their light reflecting i

y amazed," he

she said with a laug

feel at ease, forgetting the dangers of the palace, the strange marble inside her, and even the

ace did no

front of Lyra, his body tense, ready. Before either of them could react further, a shadowy figure leapt from behind a tree,

ust as the dagger struck. Pain erupted in her side and face, and a blinding light filled her vision. S

is arms with a strength born of fury and desperation. "Lyra! Hold

only the echo of danger behind. Kael's cloak fluttered in the wind as he c

world had become a blur of shapes and shadows, and her breathing was shallow.

he said softly, his voice thi

barely a whisper. "I... I couldn't le

ed. He knew then that he had already fallen completely for her, not just because of t

ded to her eyes, which were gradually regaining sight. Every time she reached for him or leaned on him for support, his heart ached w

had whispered: that the mysterious figure who visited her often at night-who bought gifts, told stories, and

uspect his dual nature. She loved the young man she knew, the one who walked with her in daylight, and the th

htly. She reached out instinctively, feeling warmth and connection. Kael noticed the glow, a subtle smile tugging at his

tly, lifting her hand. "Your eyes, y

ting to watch him, to observe him in secret, to understand who he truly was. The bond she felt with him was growing stronger every

most to himself, "She has already given me her

ed, waiting for the slightest opportunity, but for now, the princess and her mysterious companion were safe-bound by