The Eternal Nexus: Chronicles of the Infinite Realms

Kael quickly learned that Angelica was one of the most talented mages in the faction. Her mastery of elemental magic was unparalleled, and her reputation as a prodigy often overshadowed her peers. Yet beneath her sharp exterior, Kael sensed a deeper complexity.

Over the next few weeks, the two of them were often paired together for missions and training exercises. At first, their interactions were marked by sarcasm and competition, but gradually, they began to trust each other.

One night, while the faction celebrated a successful mission, Kael found Angelica alone in the courtyard, staring at the stars.

"You don't strike me as the sentimental type," he said, approaching cautiously.

Angelica smirked. "I'm not. But sometimes, it's nice to think about what's out there."

Kael sat beside her, unsure of what to say. After a moment, Angelica broke the silence. "I wasn't always like this, you know. Confident. In control."

"What changed?" Kael asked.

She hesitated before answering. "My family… they were taken. By a god who thought they were insignificant. I swore I'd never be powerless again."

Kael's chest tightened. He didn't know what to say, but he understood the pain of losing everything. "I'm sorry," he said softly.

Angelica shrugged, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of vulnerability. "Don't be. That's why I fight. To make sure no one else has to feel that way."

In that moment, Kael saw a side of Angelica she rarely showed—a side that made him admire her even more.