The wind had changed.
Kai felt it before he saw something. A strange pressure in the air—like something heavy was watching. He stood just outside the cottage, where the trees of the enchanted forest swayed gently, their leaves rustling like whispers.
Lucien stepped beside him, his eyes scanning the sky. "Something's coming," he said.
Kai looked up. The clouds were darker than before, moving too fast. The air had a taste to it—sharp and electric, like it carried sparks.
The peace they had built together was about to break.
Earlier that day, everything had felt normal.
Lucien had continued teaching Kai to use his magic. They had trained together in the clearing, laughing when Kai accidentally set fire to a patch of grass, and then working together to put it out. There had been no danger, only warmth between them.
But now, the forest had fallen quiet.
Too quiet.
Lucien's eyes narrowed. "Stay close to me."
Kai nodded and reached for his power, trying to calm his heartbeat. His hands tingled like before, but the magic inside him felt restless—too hot, too alive. It wanted to escape.
Lucien stepped forward, and the bond between them stretched like a string pulled tight. "There's someone here."
Kai heard it too—a low sound, far off, like growling thunder. But it wasn't from the sky.
It was coming from the trees.
Then, something stepped out of the shadows.
A figure in dark robes. Their face hidden beneath a hood. The forest behind them bent unnaturally, like the trees feared this being.
Kai swallowed. "Who is that?"
Lucien's voice was cold. "A ghost from my past."
The figure lifted their head just enough for Kai to see a cruel smile. Their voice was low and sharp. "Lucien. I see you've finally chosen your mate."
Kai stepped back instinctively, but Lucien moved in front of him.
"You shouldn't be here," Lucien growled. His voice had changed—deeper, rougher. The Alpha in him was rising.
"I'm only here to finish what we started," the figure said. "You still carry the curse. You know what that means."
Lucien's fists clenched. "I'm not the same. I won't let you touch him."
Kai reached out, placing a hand on Lucien's back. He could feel his power swirling, barely contained. "Lucien, who is that?"
"His name is Morik," Lucien said tightly. "He's the one who locked the curse inside me. He fed off pain—mine, and others.
He tried to bind me to him once. but I escaped."
Morik laughed softly. "But curses don't die, Lucien. You only delayed the end. And now, your precious bond has made you weak."
Kai stepped forward despite the fear in his chest. "We're not weak."
Morik tilted his head. "We'll see."
He raised his hand—and the world changed.
Dark magic tore through the clearing.
The wind howled as black tendrils of energy surged from Morik's hand, slamming into the ground. The earth cracked. Trees split down the middle. The air itself screamed.
Lucien shoved Kai back and raised his arm, a barrier of golden flame forming in front of them.
The blast hit, and for a second, it felt like the world would break apart.
Kai hit the ground hard, coughing as dust and smoke filled the air. Lucien stood above him, barely holding the shield together.
"Get inside!" Lucien shouted.
"No!" Kai stood up, shaking. His hands burned with light. "We fight together."
Lucien's eyes widened, but he didn't argue.
Kai turned to face Morik. "You want to see power? Fine."
He let the bond take over.
The heat in his chest spread like wildfire. His skin glowed. The magic swirled out of him, golden-white and wild. It rushed forward—not controlled, not perfect—but alive.
Morik sneered. "Child's play."
He raised his hand again, forming a dark spear of energy and hurling it at Kai.
Before Kai could react, Lucien moved—faster than he ever had.
He threw himself in front of the spear.
It hit him square in the chest.
"Lucien!" Kai screamed.
Lucien hit the ground hard, the light around him flickering. He gasped, one hand clutching his chest.
The bond between them pulsed with pain.
"No," Kai whispered, rushing to him. "No no no—Lucien, stay with me!"
Lucien gritted his teeth. "You have to finish this. Don't let him break the bond."
Kai trembled as he stood, turning back to Morik. The figure still stood calmly, as if everything was under control.
But something in Kai had changed.
The bond was hurting. The man he loved was on the ground. And someone was trying to take everything away.
He wasn't going to let that happen.
The magic in him exploded.
Light poured from Kai's body like fire turned to wind. His eyes glowed gold. His feet barely touched the ground. He raised both hands, and the forest responded.
The trees swayed toward him. The air shimmered. Even the earth beneath his feet hummed.
"You think you understand magic?" Kai said, his voice layered with something ancient. "Then feel it."
He slammed his hands together—and the world cracked open.
A burst of pure energy shot forward, ripping through Morik's dark barrier. The figure screamed, finally pushed back, cloak burning.
The ground shook. Lightning danced through the air.
Kai didn't stop. He poured everything into it. Every fear. Every memory. Every ounce of love he had for Lucien.
It wasn't just an attack.
It was a promise.
When it ended, the clearing was quiet.
Morik was gone.
Only ashes remained where he had stood.
The sky slowly lightened. The wind calmed. The forest began to breathe again.
Kai dropped to his knees beside Lucien. "Please," he whispered, "please wake up."
Lucien's eyes fluttered open.
"You didn't listen," he rasped.
Kai laughed and cried at once. "You're not allowed to die. Not after all this."
Lucien lifted a hand, brushing it against Kai's cheek. "You saved me."
Kai pressed his forehead to Lucien's. "We saved each other."
That night, the fire inside the cottage burned brighter than ever.
They sat close, wrapped in each other, saying nothing for a long time. The bond between them no longer flickered—it glowed. Strong. Steady. Real.
Lucien whispered against Kai's hair, "You're stronger than anyone I've ever met."
Kai held him tighter. "I'm only strong because I have you."
Outside, the enchanted forest healed. Magic ran through its roots again. And in the heart of it, two souls stayed close—no longer hiding, no longer afraid.
Together.