The palace was thrown into chaos the next morning when word came that the rebels, backed by Lady Vivienne's allies, had breached the outer walls. Kael wasted no time, rallying his soldiers and preparing for a final stand.
Alina insisted on fighting alongside him, despite his protests. "If I am to be your queen," she said, her eyes blazing with determination, "then let me stand by your side, not hide behind it."
Kael reluctantly agreed, and together, they led the charge against the invaders. The battle was fierce, the sound of clashing steel and the cries of the wounded filling the air. Alina fought with every ounce of strength she had, her wounded shoulder forgotten in the heat of the moment.
But as the tide of battle turned in their favor, a desperate rebel lunged at Kael, a dagger aimed at his heart. Without thinking, Alina threw herself in front of him, taking the blow meant for the man she had come to love.
The pain was blinding, and Alina collapsed into Kael's arms, her blood staining his armor. "No, no, no," he muttered, his voice breaking as he cradled her. "Stay with me, Alina. I cannot lose you."
As darkness began to claim her, Alina reached up, her fingers brushing his cheek. "You are not the monster they say you are," she whispered, her voice fading. "You are... so much more."
Tears filled Kael's eyes, and for the first time, he let them fall. "And you... are my heart," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Do not leave me, Alina."
As the battle raged on around them, Kael held Alina close, refusing to let her go.
But whether she would survive this final act of sacrifice was a question only fate could answer.