Chapter eleven
The moonlight bathed Elarion's silver spires in a pale glow, their smooth crystal walls humming softly with the magic that sustained them. Caelum stood on the balcony of the high tower, arms crossed, his silver gaze resting on the quiet expanse below. The warlord of the Immortal Kingdom stood motionless, save for the wind tugging at the strands of his dark hair. Somewhere below, the night breathed, but inside him, unrest simmered.
He hadn't spoken a word since returning from the mortal realm. Not even to Thorne, who stood a respectful distance behind him, arms clasped behind his back like always. Still. Silent. Watchful.
"Did you see her?" Thorne finally asked, breaking the hush.
Caelum didn't turn. "I don't know," he said. His voice was as cold as stone, but there was something else underneath, something raw, something unsure.
"She had silver hair."
"She wasn't like the woman in my dreams," Caelum muttered. "There was something… softer. Warmer. And yet…" He stopped. His jaw tightened. "I couldn't look away."
A pause stretched between them.
"Sometimes… the heart remembers what the mind forgets," Thorne said quietly.
Caelum finally turned to glance at his most trusted guard. "You're speaking too much today."
Thorne smirked. "Then you must be listening."
Later that evening, the quiet of the warlord's private chamber was shattered by a knock.
Vaelira didn't wait for permission.
She glided in like a shadow wrapped in silk , her deep crimson gown pooling behind her, hair a cascade of midnight curls adorned with tiny crystal thorns. Her beauty was both dazzling and severe, her smile honed to slice.
"You vanished," she said, closing the door behind her.
"I had no obligation to tell you where I went."
"But you always vanish when something is… troubling you," she purred. "I thought perhaps I could distract you. There's a gathering in the Skyhold next week one of the elder courts from Thalorien is hosting. Would you come?"
"I'm not fond of banquets."
"Still," she said, circling him slowly. "Even a sword must be sheathed at times."
Her hand brushed his arm. He didn't flinch but he didn't move either.
Vaelira's eyes narrowed. "You've been distant."
"I'm always distant."
She tilted her head. "Something is shifting in the realms. There's tension between the waters of Zephyra and the outer courts. The mortal realm stirs more than usual. Shouldn't that interest you?"
"I have eyes everywhere," Caelum replied. "Let them stir."
She exhaled sharply and turned from him, smoothing the front of her gown. "Tea, then. Join me tomorrow. You need rest."
Caelum didn't answer.
Vaelira didn't need him to. She gave a knowing smile, then glided from the room like a curtain caught in the wind, sweeping and quiet.
Thorne stepped out from the shadows after she left. "She'll keep trying."
"I know."
Back in Aetherra, the streets glimmered under lantern light. The royal guards, dressed plainly, trailed several paces behind Selene and Mara. Selene's hood was pulled over her silver hair, but strands still slipped through, catching the glow of the nearby stalls.
It was no longer festival time, but Aetherra's capital was always alive. Street vendors yelled over sizzling pots, children darted through alleyways chasing paper dragons, and music flowed from taverns like honey from a jar.
Selene's eyes were wide with curiosity. "Mara, look at those charms! Oh, I bet that one's cursed."
"Princess," Mara hissed. "We were given permission. Don't abuse it."
"But I'm not abusing it," Selene said, wrinkling her nose. "I'm simply enjoying it extensively."
A nearby merchant held out a bright scarf. Selene took it with a grin and twirled once. Mara sighed deeply.
Then, she felt it.
Selene's laughter faded. Her steps slowed. Something inside her chest twisted strangely.
Across the street, between the crowd, a tall figure in black stood still as a statue. His eyes, silver. She felt like they swallowed her whole.
She didn't know him. And yet… she felt known.
She stepped toward him. People moved between them like waves, but her eyes stayed locked on his. She had never seen him this close before, hadn't realized how unnervingly calm he looked. As if he belonged to the shadows and the stars all at once.
She cleared her throat, trying to push through the sudden racing of her heart.
"Well," she called across the street. "Aren't you going to apologize for standing there like a ghost?"
Thorne tensed beside Caelum. "Warlord…"
Caelum lifted a hand.
Selene stepped closer.
"I'm talking to you, silver-eyes," she added, folding her arms. "Don't make me throw a mango at you."
Caelum said nothing. His gaze was steady. Unreadable. But his silence wasn't cold it was… fascinated.
"Rude," Selene whispered, lips twitching. "You look like someone who needs a good argument."
Mara grabbed her arm. "Princess! There you are!"
Drian emerged from behind Mara, hands on his hips. "You're going to give the king a heart attack one day."
Selene's eyes darted back to Caelum but the moment was already fading. The world rushed in. The guards stepped forward.
Thorne stepped in between them.
Caelum didn't move.
And Selene was swept away.
As they led her down the lantern-lit road, she turned once, just before the street bent out of sight. Caelum was still there.
Watching.
Silent.
The feeling of familiarity lingered between them like the scent of night jasmine on the wind.
Above, high on a nearby rooftop, a cloaked figure knelt, hidden in shadow, eyes following Selene's every step. No weapon. No threat.
Just watching.
Just waiting.