Eve~
Kael blinked, clearly taken aback by my request. For a moment, I worried I'd crossed some line or made a fool of myself. My heart pounded as I rushed to explain, the words tumbling out in a flood.
"I just… I've been feeling helpless lately, and I hate it. I can't keep depending on others to protect me. Jules has been amazing, but—" I paused, searching for the right words, "—I need to be able to stand on my own. For myself. For her. For—"
"For him?" Kael interjected, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Heat rushed to my face, but I didn't deny it. "Maybe. I just need to learn how to fight. To survive. And I think… I think you could help me."
Kael's expression softened, his usual humour tempered by something gentler. He studied me for a long moment, and I shifted under his gaze, suddenly unsure of myself.
