Chapter 5: The Masked Men
The masked men moved like shadows.
Kael's heart pounded. His hands shook. The sword in his grip felt heavy. It whispered to him, hungry.
"Kill them," it said. "They will hurt Lyss."
Lira stood beside him, her dagger ready. Her golden eyes burned. "Don't listen to it," she hissed. "They want the sword. Not us."
The leader stepped forward. His iron mask hid his face, but his voice was cold. "Give us the blade, boy. Or we take it from your corpse."
Kael's breath came fast. He thought of Lyss. Her smile. Her cough. The way she held his hand when she was scared.
If he died here, who would save her?
The sword pulsed in his hand. "I can save her. Just let me help."
Lira grabbed his arm. Her fingers were warm. "Kael. Look at me."
He turned. Her eyes were fierce. "You are not alone," she said.
Something inside him cracked.
The masked men attacked.
Kael swung the sword.
Blood and Choices
The fight was loud. Metal clashed. Men shouted.
Kael moved without thinking. The sword guided his arms. It was too strong. Too fast.
He cut one man down. Then another.
Blood splashed the floor.
The sword laughed. "Yes. More."
Lira fought beside him. Her dagger flashed. She was quick. Deadly. But she didn't kill. She knocked them out. Broke their legs. Made them scream.
Kael saw her face. She was afraid.
Not of the men.
Of him.
---
After the Storm
The last man ran.
Silence fell.
Kael dropped the sword. His hands were red. His chest hurt.
Lira stared at him. Her voice was quiet. "You didn't have to kill them."
The sword lay between them, grinning. "But it felt good, didn't it?"
Kael looked at his hands. He thought of Lyss. Would she still love him if she saw this?
Lira stepped closer. She didn't touch him. "We all make choices," she said. "But we don't have to let them define us."
Kael closed his eyes.
He had no tears left.