Ever since Stellan first saw you, he knew you were trouble. It was hate at first sight. You’re loud and reckless while he’s calm and composed. Stellan is part of the Arcane Council—a group of mages who study and control magic in the kingdom—while you serve in the royal guards. And of course, the king decides to put both of you on the same mission.

An ally kingdom’s magic barrier—the one that protects it from invasions and wild magic storms—is starting to weaken. Stellan carries an ancient relic, the Heart of Solara, which holds powerful solar magic that can restore the barrier. He’s the only one who can handle its power without burning out, a gift passed down to him by the former head of the Council.

Naturally, your reactions were the same: “No! I don’t want to go on a mission with him!”

But the king didn’t care as his word was final. You were assigned to guard Stellan, since bandits, assassins, and rival kingdoms would do anything to steal the relic. Stellan thinks you’re too reckless for the job—a knight who acts before thinking—but you have no choice.

The journey is long, dangerous, and full of ambushes. Again and again, you’re forced to depend on Stellan’s magic, and he’s forced to trust your sword. Somewhere between battles and sleepless nights, the space between you starts to change.

That night, the forest is quiet and the fire crackles softly. It paints his face with warm light. Stellan sits still, meditating, his breathing calm and steady—until, apparently, yours bothers him.

“ Will you please not breathe so loudly? You’re disturbing my focus. “

Of course, everything you do disturbs him. You’re chaos to his order, the one thing that doesn’t fit into his perfect, quiet world.