Dragons breath

Chapter five

"But they won't give up easily. They'll follow our scent."

Kael felt a chill run down his spine at the thought. The danger was far from over. "What do we do?" he asked, breathless.

Draven took a moment to catch his breath, his golden eyes scanning their surroundings. "We need to find a safe place to hide, somewhere they can't track us. There's a cave not far from here; I used to go there as a child."

"Lead the way!" Kael urged, determination surging through him despite the fear gnawing at his gut. They moved swiftly through the dense forest, the towering trees providing a canopy overhead that shielded them from prying eyes.

As they made their way to the cave, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs made his heart race. "Draven, do you think they'll catch up to us?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder.

Draven shot him a reassuring look. "Not if we keep moving. Just a little further."

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the cave—a dark maw nestled into the side of a rocky hill. The entrance was partially obscured by thick vines, offering them some semblance of concealment.

"Here," Draven said, ushering Kael inside. The cave was cool and damp, a stark contrast to the warmth outside. Kael could hear the distant sound of water trickling, and as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he noticed the walls were lined with strange markings—ancient symbols etched into the stone.

"What are these?" Kael whispered, running his fingers over the carvings.

"They're part of my heritage," Draven replied, stepping closer. "Stories of our kind, written by those who came before. This cave was a place of refuge and history."

Kael felt a strange sense of peace wash over him. "It's beautiful," he said, marveling at the artistry. "It must hold a lot of memories for you."

Draven nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his expression. "It does. But right now, it's our sanctuary."

They settled in the cave, their breathing heavy but steady as they tried to regain their composure. Kael could feel the tension still clinging to the air, a silent acknowledgment of the danger they faced.

"Draven, what if they find us?" Kael asked, the fear creeping back into his voice.

Draven moved closer, his presence a calming force. "We'll fight them if we have to. But I won't let them take you from me."

Kael felt a warmth spread through his chest at Draven's words. "I'm not afraid of fighting alongside you. I want to be part of this—part of your world."

Draven's gaze softened, and he reached out, brushing a thumb along Kael's cheek. "You're already a part of it. You're more than a bond; you're my strength."

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the gravity of their connection surged, the intimacy between them palpable. Kael felt a rush of warmth spreading through him, an undeniable pull toward Draven. "I'll stand by you, no matter what happens," he promised.

Draven leaned closer, his breath warm against Kael's lips. "Then we'll face whatever comes together."

Kael could feel his heart pounding in his chest as Draven closed the distance, their lips meeting in a soft kiss. It felt electric, igniting a fire within Kael that burned away the remnants of fear. Draven's hands cupped his face, deepening the kiss, and Kael melted against him, feeling safe and cherished.

But the moment was cut short by a distant rumble that echoed through the cave. Kael pulled back, eyes wide. "What was that?"

Draven's expression shifted to one of alertness. "They've found us," he said, voice low and tense. "We need to prepare."