Chapter 66 Shadows In Motion

• The forest was too quiet. Not even the usual chatter of birds filled the twilight as Kelvin cradled Lucia in his arms. Her body lay heavy against him, breath shallow, as though the shard had pulled not just at her strength but at the very thread tethering her to life. He refused to let himself think of what might happen if that thread snapped.
• “Easy, my King,” Ronald murmured, stepping forward to steady him as Kelvin staggered slightly. “You’ve been bleeding again.”
• Kelvin ignored the hand, shifting his grip on Lucia instead. His wound had burned like fire ever since the shard had flared in her hands. It hadn’t simply refused to heal—it had worsened, as though the curse drew strength from her suffering and mirrored it in him. The cloth bound tight around his ribs was already damp with fresh blood.