Chapter 312

AURELIA’S POV When the door burst open, I nearly screamed. “Kael?” I whispered. He stood there, swaying on his feet, blood seeping through his torn shirt, his breath uneven. His once playful smile was gone—replaced by a grim set to his jaw. “Kael!” I rushed forward before I could stop myself. “What happened to you? You’re bleeding.” “I’m fine,” he said between clenched teeth, though the way he staggered said otherwise. “I just needed to see you.” “See me? You need a healer first, not me.” I tried to support him, but he was heavy, his muscles taut beneath my touch. “Sit down before you fall over.” He didn’t move. His gaze searched mine, desperate, almost pleading. “You’re… safe, right? Are you feeling fine now?” The question caught me off guard. “Of course I am, thanks to you both, but that’s not the point—” “Answer me, Aurelia,” he said, his tone harder now. “Are you fine now?” “Yes,” I said quickly, though the word felt hollow. “Now, please sit.” Only when he was convinced did he allo