Chapter 299

THIRD PERSON’S POV Kael lowered himself into the chair by her bed, his movements deliberate, calm in the way only warriors could be when inside a storm. “Because it’s not safe,” he said quietly. “Draven has eyes everywhere. Every hallway, every room. If he knew I was here now…” His gaze darkened. “You don’t want to know what he’d do.” “That doesn’t explain why I haven’t seen you,” she pressed, leaning forward, clutching the sheet tighter. “You’re supposed to be by my side. You promised. Instead, you vanished as if I imagined you.” He winced. I never wanted to leave you. The words scraped at his throat, but he swallowed them back. Instead, he leaned forward, meeting her eyes. “Aurelia, I didn’t vanish. I’ve been watching. From a distance. Making sure you’re still breathing. Sometimes protection isn’t about standing next to someone—it’s making sure the threats never get close enough to touch them.” Her brows drew together, her lips trembling. “Then why tonight? Why break through all this