The Stolen Heir’s Bond

The journey to the capital was a reckless, dangerous idea—and that was exactly why Kael was certain it would work.

Elaria, on the other hand, was less convinced.

"Let me get this straight," she muttered as they rode through the mist-laden valley, keeping to the shadowed trails where the trees grew thick. "You want to walk right into the heart of the kingdom that's trying to kill you? While actively being hunted?"

Kael kept his eyes on the road ahead, gripping the reins of his stolen horse. "Yes."

Elaria scoffed. "Brilliant. Fantastic plan, really."

Kael glanced at her. "If my father was erased from history, then someone in that city knows how. The palace archives, the royal scholars—someone has the answers. We just have to get to them first."

Elaria exhaled, shaking her head. "And if the king's men catch us before that?"

Kael didn't hesitate. "They won't."

She gave him a pointed look. "Because your luck is just that good?"

He smirked. "Because we are."

Elaria rolled her eyes but didn't argue. She knew as well as he did that this was their best shot at uncovering the truth.

As they rode deeper into the valley, the sky darkened with the promise of rain, the air thick with the scent of wet earth. They had been traveling for days, resting only when necessary, always staying ahead of their pursuers.

But the closer they got to the capital, the heavier the weight in Kael's chest grew.

His father's words echoed in his mind.

Closer than you think.

What if the truth was buried not just in books, but in blood? What if he wasn't just looking for his father—but for himself?

Elaria suddenly pulled her horse to a stop, holding up a hand. Kael reacted instantly, following her lead.

She didn't speak, just pointed toward the ridge ahead.

There, barely visible through the trees, was a squad of black-armored soldiers. The king's men.

Kael's jaw tightened.

"They've blocked the main road," Elaria whispered. "They must've figured out we're heading this way."

Kael's mind worked fast. "Then we find another way in."

Elaria gave him a wary look. "You mean the old ruins?"

"It's our only choice."

She sighed, but turned her horse toward the rocky path leading toward the ruins. "I swear, Kael, if we get ambushed by ghosts, I'm blaming you."

Kael only grinned. "Wouldn't be the first time."

And with that, they disappeared into the mist, racing toward the last place anyone would dare to follow them.