The eastern cliffs loomed under a steel-colored sky, jagged as blades. The wind howled through the cracks, carrying the scent of ash and old magic.
Liana walked near the rear of the group, her gaze flicking from the narrow path beneath her boots to the figures ahead—the Shadow King leading, Sera gliding gracefully behind him, and at her side, Auren.
"They're gathering faster than we thought," Auren murmured beside her, blue eyes sharp. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the hilt of his curved sword.
Auren's presence was like a quiet lantern in the dark. His silver hair glimmered faintly beneath the heavy sky, his face calm, softened now and then by a gentle smile when his eyes met hers.
But Liana kept her guard up.
She tightened her grip on the Blade of the Veil, feeling the familiar pulse of magic through her palm. The events of the past days had carved doubt deep into her bones. Sera's betrayal still whispered in the back of her mind. Auren had arrived like sunlight—bright, charming, dependable. But could she truly trust him?
The Shadow King's voice cut through her thoughts. "Stay sharp. They're close."
The Shadow King stood nearby, silver gaze fixed ahead. Sera hovered beside him, magic flickering at her fingertips like restless fireflies.
Liana swallowed hard. "What's the plan?"
"We hit them hard, break their formation," the Shadow King said coldly.
Auren flashed a reckless grin. "My kind of plan."
Despite herself, Liana felt the corners of her mouth twitch upward. But the knot in her chest pulled tight.
Ahead, the cliffs narrowed into a treacherous choke point. Crumbled stone arches jutted from the earth like ribs, casting long shadows.
Auren brushed her arm lightly. "Stay close, alright?" His voice was soft, edged with concern.
She nodded, swallowing the tightness in her throat.
They moved forward—and the earth split open.
A roar tore through the air, and creatures burst from the cracks. Massive shapes, eyes glowing yellow. Their bodies twisted with bone and spines, claws sharp as obsidian knives.
"Positions!" the Shadow King barked.
Auren stepped in front of Liana without hesitation, drawing his curved sword in one fluid motion. Sera flared with violet light, weaving spells, while the Shadow King surged into the fray, his blade a storm of shadow and silver.
Beside her, Auren was a blur of silver. His laughter rang through the chaos, bright and defiant, as his blade cut down one beast after another.
"You're enjoying this too much!" Liana shouted over the roar.
"It's called morale, Liana!" Auren shouted back, grinning.
But no skill or charm could stop what came next.
A roar split the sky, shaking the cliffs. From the shattered temple emerged a monstrous beast—twice the size of the others, crowned in jagged horns, eyes blazing pale fire.
Time slowed.
The monster lunged at Liana, claws raised, mouth gaping with black flame.
She raised her sword—but she was too slow.
A flash of silver.
Auren.
He slammed into her, knocking her clear just as the claws tore through the air. Liana hit the ground hard, breath crushed from her lungs. When she looked up, she saw Auren's blade buried deep in the creature's shoulder.
The beast roared, hurling him like a rag doll against the temple wall.
Liana's scream ripped from her throat. "AUREN!"
The Shadow King surged forward, shadows curling from his hands as he unleashed a wave of power that slammed the beast back. Sera's magic blazed, searing through the remaining creatures.
The creature shrieked and collapsed—but not before its claws raked across Auren's shoulder, tearing through cloth and flesh.
"Auren!" Liana gasped, scrambling to his side. Blood darkened his sleeve, dripping onto the stone.
He winced but forced a grin. "Don't look so worried, Liana. I'm tougher than I look."
She pressed her hands to the wound, fingers trembling. "You're bleeding. That's not just a scratch—"
"Later," Auren murmured, pushing himself upright. His eyes softened when they met hers. "First, survive."
Together, they rose.
The battle raged—steel against bone, magic against shadow. Liana moved on instinct, her blade slashing through the dark, Auren at her side despite his injury. Each time a creature lunged, Auren was there, covering her flank, his movements fluid even as blood soaked his sleeve.
And then—silence.
The last creature crumpled, Sera's magic burning through its chest. The air was thick with smoke and death.
Liana turned sharply, grabbing Auren's arm. "Sit. Now."
He gave a weak grin. "Yes, ma'am."
Auren's blue eyes fluttered open, still startlingly bright despite the haze of pain. "Hey," he rasped, a smile tugging at his mouth. "Told you… I'd have your back."
Liana's throat tightened. "Idiot," she choked. "Why… why did you do that?"
"Because you matter." His fingers brushed weakly against hers. "Because you… deserve to live."
Tears blurred her vision.
The Shadow King appeared beside them, face pale, silver eyes flickering. "We need to move."
"No," Liana whispered. "Not without him."
Sera knelt across from them, her face unreadable. She reached out, murmuring a healing spell—but Auren raised a shaky hand to stop her.
"Save it… for the fight," he murmured. "You'll need it."
For a heartbeat, Sera hesitated. Then she rose, lips pressed tight.
Liana bent closer, tears falling onto Auren's skin. His hand brushed her cheek, light as a feather. "Did I… pass the trust test?" he teased softly.
Liana let out a shaky laugh, fresh tears spilling. "Yeah," she whispered. "Yeah, you passed."
That night, exhaustion settled over the camp like stone.
Liana knelt beside Auren at the fire, carefully peeling away the torn fabric of his coat. Her hands were steady now, her eyes sharp. She cleaned the wound, wrapping it tightly.
"Why?" she whispered, her voice almost lost to the crackling fire.
Auren tilted his head. "Why what?"
"Why throw yourself in front of me?"
His smile was soft and lopsided. "Because you matter." His eyes searched hers. "Because I want you to live. Not just survive, Liana—but live."
Her chest tightened.
The Shadow King sat across the fire, his silver gaze flicking toward them before turning away. Sera sat nearby, sharpening a dagger, her lips curved in a faint smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
That night, Liana sat close to Auren, their shoulders brushing as they spoke in low tones. He told her of old battles, of traveling between realms, of the wild tales only a Celestial could tell. For the first time in days, she found herself laughing—quietly, cautiously, but truly.
But as the fire died down and Auren's eyes slipped closed, his breath deep and even, Liana sat silently, staring into the dark.
Late at night.
Liana slipped away from the fire, moving toward the cliff's edge. She stood alone beneath the stars, the Blade of the Veil resting on her shoulder. The night air was cold, sharp against her skin.
Footsteps approached—quiet, measured.
The Shadow King stopped a few paces behind her, his presence a steady weight in the dark. For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
"He's strong," the Shadow King murmured at last. "He'll be alright."
Liana let out a shaky breath. "I don't know if I can do this."
His voice was quiet. "You can."
She turned, eyes searching his face. "Why do you believe in me?"
A pause. Then, soft as a secret, he answered, "Because I've seen you fight for people who gave you every reason to walk away."
Her throat tightened. She turned back toward Auren, fingers closing around the silver charm he'd given her, thumb brushing the delicate threads.
He was good. He was kind. But trust was a fragile thing.
Could she give it again? Could she risk it?
Above them, the stars flickered, cold and bright.
And inside her chest, a quiet voice whispered:
"Maybe."