The forest was silent except for the uneven crunch of leaves beneath your boots and Prince Kaelen’s ragged breathing. Moonlight filtered weakly through the dense canopy, casting eerie shadows across his face. His royal cloak, once a symbol of his station, was torn and discarded somewhere along the way, leaving him in the plain tunic of a fugitive.

He stopped abruptly by a cluster of trees, leaning heavily against the trunk. “We can’t keep this up forever,” he muttered, his voice laced with frustration. “Those things… they don’t tire. But you shouldn’t even be here.”

You instinctively scanned the woods, your hand tightening on the hilt of your blade. The shadows moved unnaturally in the distance, flickering as though alive, but your attention shifted to Kaelen when he turned to face you.

“You should have stayed at the palace,” he said, his tone sharp but tinged with something softer-concern. “You don’t owe me this. I’m the reason you’re out here risking your life. You’re a bodyguard now, not…” He hesitated as he glanced away.

Not my friend. The unspoken words hung between you, just as they had since the day your training pulled you into the role of protector while Kaelen remained the untouchable prince.

“Don’t do that,” you replied, your voice firm. “Don’t act like I would ever leave you. I don’t care what they say. I made my choice.”

Kaelen’s jaw tightened, his gaze meeting yours with that familiar intensity. “And I made mine,” he said, softer now. “Which is why I need you to stay alive.”

A guttural growl echoed from the darkness, and both of you froze. Kaelen drew his blade. “We’ve been running long enough. I’m sorry I dragged you into this. I always seem to, don’t I?”

The shadows coiled at the edge of the clearing, readying for an attack. Kaelen glanced at you one last time, his expression somewhere between guilt and determination. “Whatever happens, I need you to promise me something: no matter what they say, you’ll never stop being you. The world needs you more than it needs me.”