The first meeting was anything but romantic. Kael had ventured to the shore, curious about the land that his parents had once inhabited. As he approached the cliffs, he saw her—Aelira—standing at the edge, her fiery hair blazing like the sunset. Her eyes were like molten gold, sharp and calculating, as though she knew the weight of her lineage.
Their eyes locked, and an instant tension crackled in the air. He knew immediately who she was, though she had no way of recognizing him. The Fire Dynasty was a realm apart from the ocean, their ancient hatred for the Merclan buried in the pages of history. Yet, here she was, as much a part of that history as the storms that had ravaged both of their peoples.
"You're a Merclan," she said, her voice sharp, betraying no emotion but disdain.
Kael's posture stiffened. "And you're the enemy's daughter. What are you doing here?"
Aelira smirked, stepping closer to him. "That's none of your business, sea-dweller. But I must admit, it's a rare sight to see one of you so far from your watery depths."
The words were laced with venom, but Kael couldn't help but feel intrigued by the fire that sparked between them. Her beauty was undeniable, though it was sharp like a blade. And beneath the anger in her voice, he sensed a deep loneliness, a history she was trapped in.
"Perhaps you should leave," Kael said, trying to match her icy tone. But his words were hollow, even to him.
Aelira raised an eyebrow. "Or perhaps, you should."
Before he could respond, she turned, walking away with grace and fiery resolve. Kael stood there, staring after her, a mixture of confusion and fascination rising in his chest. What was it about her that made his heart race?