Chapter 29: Fate’s Chains and Silent Whispers

The castle courtyard was unusually quiet as Prince Liam stood at the edge of the stone walls, watching the distant figure of Kael disappearing into the woods. His steps were swift but controlled, the posture of a man who carried purpose—and secrets.

Liam frowned. Who was he?

Kael had arrived at the village unnoticed. His presence had stirred whispers, subtle and cautious, as if the people knew he was more than just an ordinary traveler. And now, he was leaving again, slipping into the wilderness like a shadow.

Something about it didn’t sit right with Liam.

With a sharp turn, he strode toward the council chambers, where Orion, the kingdom’s most trusted advisor, lingered over ancient scrolls. The soft glow of candlelight flickered against the aged parchment, the scent of ink and dust filling the room. Orion barely glanced up as Liam entered, his focus trained on the delicate curves of ancient script.

“I need to know something,” Liam stated, standing rigid, his voice carrying an edge of impatience.

Orion sighed, setting his quill down with deliberate precision. “You always do.”

“The man who arrived a few weeks ago—the one training the girl. Who is he?”

Orion’s fingers drummed against the table, his gaze sharp but amused. “You watch too closely, Your Highness.”

Liam crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. “That’s not an answer.”

Orion exhaled, his tone growing measured. “Kael is just as lost as you.”

Liam narrowed his eyes. “Lost?”

The advisor leaned back in his chair, watching Liam carefully before speaking. “You are a man chasing something unattainable. So is he.”

Liam stiffened at the insinuation. Something about Orion’s words stirred unease inside him.

“What does that mean?”

Orion studied him, eyes flickering with knowledge too vast to explain in simple terms. “You think Kael is just a warrior. Just another wanderer training a girl. But he knows things you do not—about her, about the world beyond these walls.”

Liam’s pulse quickened slightly, though he refused to show his concern. “Is he dangerous?”

Orion let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “Danger is a relative thing, Prince.” He stood, adjusting his cloak as he walked past. Just as he reached the doorway, he paused, turning back to face Liam.

“You are bound to prophecy, Prince. Whether you accept it or not.” His voice was softer now, but heavy with meaning. “Trying to love someone who is not meant for you will only bring ruin.”

Liam felt the words settle uncomfortably in his chest. He had heard them before—again and again.

Prophecy.

Fate.

Destiny.

As if those things could decide the course of his life without his consent.

He turned his gaze downward, frustrated—tired of the chains prophecy placed on him.

Why did everyone insist on reminding him?

As Orion left, Liam clenched his fists. No more.

When the fireborn did arrive—when fate inevitably dragged her to this village—he would be cold to her.

Because his heart had already chosen another.

Raven.

And he would not let destiny take that from him.

In the hidden corridors beyond the council chamber, Ember pressed herself against the cold stone walls, heart pounding in her chest.

She had heard everything.

Every word.

Every doubt.

Every promise to reject her before he even knew her.

Her throat tightened, her fingers curling into fists. She should have walked away the moment she heard his voice. But instead, she had lingered—curious, uncertain—only to hear something that stung more than she expected.

She had expected skepticism.

She hadn’t expected him to choose someone else.

As Liam’s footsteps echoed through the chamber, Ember turned and disappeared into the dark, her mind swirling with too many unanswered questions.

And for the first time since she arrived, she wondered if coming here had been a mistake.

Ember walked slowly through the narrow paths leading to her villa, her heart aching with the weight of secrets she could no longer ignore.

Prince Liam had rejected her before they had even met.

She had heard every word—every doubt, every promise to remain cold when she arrived, as though he had already decided she was nothing more than a burden.

And yet, he didn’t know the truth.

He didn’t know who she was—who she was meant to be.

She exhaled deeply, her breath uneven. What would he think when he found out?

Would he feel betrayed? Would he see her as the threat his father had warned him about?

No.

She couldn’t tell him. Not yet.

The truth had to remain hidden just a little longer.

When the time was right, she would tell him—tell them all.

I am the fireborn.

She sighed, rubbing her hands together to ease the cold pressing into her skin. Of course, Eira would notice her right away. There would be no secrets between them, no hesitation.

But Liam… Liam was different.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed Liam standing nearby, watching her with concern etched into his features.

He had seen the sadness in her eyes, the weight she carried. Something about it unsettled him, tugged at a part of him he didn’t want to acknowledge.

Still, he couldn’t ignore it.

He stepped forward, his voice soft yet sure. “Raven, have you eaten?”

Ember blinked, caught off guard.

“The cooks made too much food,” Liam continued. “I can bring you something to eat.”

She looked at him then—really looked.

His emerald-green eyes were steady, unreadable, yet something flickered beneath the surface. Concern? Guilt?

She wasn’t sure.

For a moment, neither moved.

Ember just stared, taking him in, while Liam found himself falling deeper into her gaze than he intended.

Instinctively, he reached for her waist, his fingers brushing against the fabric of her cloak as his gaze flickered to her lips. Something electric passed between them, something unspoken yet undeniable.

Until—

“Let her go.”

The king’s voice thundered across the courtyard, sharp and final.

Liam stepped back instantly, as if burned.

“She is banned from entering the village.”

Liam whirled around, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Father—”

But King Alex was already storming away, leaving no room for argument.

Liam turned back to Ember—Raven, as she called herself—and saw the sadness creeping back into her expression.

He had tried to comfort her. And instead, he had only made things worse.

“I—I’m sorry, Raven,” Liam murmured, lowering his gaze. “Please return to your villa. I’ll bring you food shortly.”

Ember smiled at him, though the sadness remained.

“I don’t want you getting in trouble,” she whispered. “I’ll leave now.”

Liam watched her go, his fists clenched at his sides.

She looked frail and alone, yet he knew better.

She was strong.

And yet, he wanted—needed—to be strong for her.

But he knew this wasn’t the time.

As Ember disappeared into the villa, Liam turned back toward the castle, knowing he had to face his father’s wrath.

And for the first time in his life, he felt trapped between loyalty and something far more dangerous—desire.