My Beast

14.

As Kieran and Elizabeth stepped beyond the jubilant chaos of the Sun Court, a palpable relief washed over them. The vibrant festivities faded into the background, replaced by the serene rustle of leaves and the hushed whispers of the wind. Yet, the warmth of their recent triumph felt fragile, precariously balanced on the edge of an unseen darkness that loomed just beyond their perception.

"Did you see the way he looked at you?" Kieran's voice was low, laced with irritation, as they walked side by side, shadows creeping closer.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, attempting to dissolve the tension that threatened to bubble over. "Kieran, I can handle myself. Radiance is just... charming, that's all. We need his help."

"Charming? That's one way to put it," Kieran muttered, his jaw tightening. "I don't like the thought of you being around someone like him, especially after everything."

"Especially after everything?" Elizabeth's voice rose, her frustration surfacing. "You're not the only one who's been hurt, Kieran. You aren't the only one with a past."

Kieran halted abruptly, turning to face her, his expression a tumult of anger and confusion. "This isn't about me! This is about your safety. You have no idea what he's capable of."

"No, but I do know what you're capable of," she shot back, her eyes igniting with intensity. "You think keeping me at a distance will protect me? We're in this together, whether you like it or not. I'm bound to you under Fae law, and that includes facing the Sun Court and whatever shadows lurk with it."

Kieran's heart raced as he searched her fierce gaze, realizing that her spirit mirrored his own. "Fine. But I still don't trust him," he said, his voice softening, a crack of vulnerability appearing. "And do you have to rub in the fact that you're bound to me?" He rolled his eyes, eliciting a scoff from Elizabeth. "Just promise me you'll be careful."

Elizabeth stepped closer, placing a steadying hand on his arm. "I promise, Kieran. But I need you to promise me something too. Don't let your anger control you. Don't give in. We're stronger together."

A quiet moment passed between them, the tension beginning to fade as they recognized the truth in her words. Kieran nodded, determination solidifying in his chest. "Together, then. Let's find the last gem and end this."

"Wait, what happened to the last gem?" Elizabeth interrupted, her brow furrowing.

"What do you mean?" Kieran replied, confusion shadowing his features.

"I mean, where do they go?"

"Oh," he chuckled, "they automatically dissolve into my chest. That's Fae magic for you."

"They go into your chest?" she murmured to herself, disbelief creeping in.

••••••••••••••••••••••

As they made their way back to the sanctuary, the gem safely tucked away, the light of the setting sun cast elongated shadows across the forest floor. Yet, as they approached the hidden entrance, an unsettling presence hung in the air, thick with foreboding.

"Do you feel that?" Elizabeth whispered, her instincts on high alert.

Kieran nodded, his senses honing in. "Something's off. Stay close."

Stepping into the sanctuary, the once-familiar warmth now pulsed with tension. Luna awaited them, her expression grave as she surveyed their return.

"Something's wrong," she said, her voice low and urgent. "I felt a disturbance when you entered the Sun Court. You must be cautious."

"What do you mean?" Kieran asked, his heart pounding against his ribs.

"The balance of power is shifting," Luna replied, her eyes narrowing. "Radiance. He's plotting something-something that could endanger you both."