15. Revelation

|| Lilac's POV || The room was in chaos. Kael hesitated for just a second— his jaw clenched, eyes flickering with something like guilt — before he rushed to Coco’s side. He tore off his fancy coat, the kind that probably cost more than most people made in a year, and draped it over her shaking body like she was something fragile, something precious. "Coco," he said, voice rough with panic. "What happened? Are you hurt?" Before she could answer, the doors slammed open. A group of rough-looking men barged in, scanning the room like hunters. One of them pointed straight at Coco. "There she is!" he barked. "Grab her!" Gasps rippled through the crowd. Kael moved instantly, stepping between her and them, his whole body tense. "What the hell is this?" he demanded, voice sharp with authority. The leader, a scarred brute with a sneer, didn’t even flinch, "that little thief stole from us. We’re taking her back." Coco shook her head violently, tears streaking her face, "I didn’t! They’re lying— I