chapter 40: Bound by Fate, Torn by Choice

Eira sat in the center of the yard, her breath slow and controlled, releasing her troubles into the earth beneath her.

Her aura flared, glowing crystal blue, cold veins of magic spreading from her fingertips, snaking across the ground.

For the first time, she could see the forest clearly—every detail sharpened in her mind.

She gasped, the realization hitting her like a gust of ice-laced wind.

She was doing it.

She was improving.

Her magic pulsed, her veins stretching further, connecting to the world in ways she had never experienced.

Bushes, plants, rocks—everything took shape within her vision, shifting as she extended her presence.

Then, she saw him.

Nyx.

But instead of his usual calm, he was staring at her strangely.

She frowned. Am I doing something wrong?

The vision blurred, hesitation creeping in.

She caught herself—no, no doubt.

As soon as she pushed those thoughts away, the image sharpened again.

And then—she saw a man walking toward her.

He stopped next to Nyx.

Eira focused, her vision pulling him into clarity.

Kael.

He was back.

Her emotions swelled, threatening her concentration. She wanted to run to him, to speak, to demand why he had left her—but her body wouldn’t move.

Something held her in place.

She felt a pull, dragging her back—back to herself.

She looked up, startled—she was on the ground.

A sharp breath escaped her as she stood, shaken but steady.

Nyx watched her, his usual confidence replaced with something close to panic.

She didn’t notice.

She was focused on Kael.

She ran toward him, but hesitated just before reaching him, noticing his demeanor.

Kael stared at her—but not at her.

Through her.

A terrible realization struck her.

Eira turned around slowly.

And saw herself.

Still meditating.

Her chest tightened, her pulse erratic.

She looked down at her arms—clear ice, almost translucent.

She turned to Nyx.

“Can he see me?” she thought.

Nyx’s ears twitched—he had heard her.

She hadn’t spoken aloud, yet he understood.

Nyx’s voice entered her mind. “Frostborn, somehow… you have separated from your body. You need to return. I do not know how this happened.”

Eira stared at him, confusion and awe battling within her.

How is this possible?

Nyx shook his head—this was new to him too.

Eira turned her gaze back to Kael, who remained unaware of their silent conversation.

She reached out, pressing her fingers to his cheek.

Kael jerked back immediately, his hand flying to his face.

His eyes widened.

It was cold.

Eira’s fingers trembled.

She stepped away, turning toward her body.

The closer she got, the stronger the pull became.

And in a sharp snap, she was back.

Her eyes flew open, her breath ragged, desperate.

Kael rushed to her, concern etched deeply into his features.

“Are you okay? What were you doing?”

Eira didn’t answer.

She stood, moved toward him—

And kissed him.

Kael’s pulse hammered in his chest as Eira’s lips lingered on his. A forbidden moment. A mistake. A truth neither of them could ignore.

Before he could process it, a deep, guttural growl shattered the silence.

Nyx.

The wolf’s fur bristled, his glowing blue eyes locked onto Kael with an intensity that sent a chill down the warrior’s spine.

Kael stepped back instinctively, sensing something primal—something territorial—radiating from Nyx.

Eira turned sharply toward her guardian, confused. “Nyx?”

The wolf let out another low, warning growl, his stance shifting as if ready to defend something… someone.

His gaze never left Kael.

Kael’s fingers curled into fists, battling the unexpected tension in the air. Nyx was acting like an Alpha protecting his mate—but did he even realize what he was doing?

Kael had spent years listening to the warnings of Jewara’s advisor, the whispers of prophecy that told him to stay away from the Frostborn.

This was dangerous.

This was against fate itself.

Kael clenched his jaw. “Stand down, beast.” His voice was steady, but the words tasted bitter.

Nyx’s growl deepened, his tail flicking, his energy shifting. He didn’t understand the feeling twisting inside him. Didn’t recognize it. Didn’t want to name it.

Jealousy.

Kael met his gaze, something unspoken passing between them.

For the first time, Kael realized—Nyx wasn’t just her protector.

He was something more.

Eira glanced between them, frustration and confusion warring inside her.

“What is wrong with you two?”

Nyx exhaled sharply, forcing himself to turn away, his body tense with unrecognized emotions.

Kael swallowed, ignoring the pull between them, ignoring the weight of destiny pressing against him.

Kael watched Nyx disappear into the shadows, his glowing blue eyes vanishing beyond the trees.

For a brief moment, the weight of what had just happened pressed onto his chest, suffocating.

Then, he turned to Eira.

"You must leave." His voice was cold, detached. "Go to the village. Your training must continue."

Eira’s brows furrowed, confusion flashing through her features.

Why was he acting like this?

Like nothing had happened.

Like the kiss—like all of it—meant nothing to him.

"Kael," she whispered, searching his face for any sign of hesitation.

His expression hardened. "That's Master Kael to you."

Eira’s heart lurched, pain tightening in her chest.

Kael stared at her sharply, forcing steel into his voice. "From now on, you are not my student. You are not to have any further contact with me, Frostborn. Now pack your things and go. Nyx will guide you."

The words felt like a blade, severing what little remained between them.

He turned to walk away—but Eira grabbed his arm, her fingers trembling, her breath uneven.

Tears streamed down her face.

"Look at me, Kael." Her voice cracked. "Look at me while you break my heart."

He stilled, his body rigid, struggling against the battle inside him.

"I don't want to go," she whispered. "I want to be with you."

Kael’s pulse hammered in his ears.

He wanted her to stay.

Wanted her beside him, always.

Wanted to start a life with her, to rewrite fate entirely—but he knew better.

He had no control over destiny.

Slowly, hesitantly, he lifted a hand to her cheek, his fingers trailing gently against her skin.

A silent apology.

A painful farewell.

"Leave, Frostborn."

And with that, he let her go.

Eira staggered backward, feeling like a piece of her heart had been ripped from her chest.

She didn’t protest.

Didn’t argue.

She simply turned away, summoning Nyx, who had run off somewhere.

She packed her things, her hands shaking.

And then she sat on the bed, waiting—for her guardian, for her next step, for whatever came next.

Kael left the house, standing nearby, his fists clenched at his sides.

He couldn’t stay.

If he did, he would give in.

Take her.

Claim her.

Destroy her future.

She would never forgive him.

They would meet again someday, but when they did—

She would not like the outcome.