The air in the chapel grew heavy as Aidan stepped forward, shielding Sera. His crimson eyes burned with a fury that seemed to shake the very foundation of the room. The council member, dazed but far from defeated, rose from the rubble with a menacing grin.
"So, you survived," they spat, wiping blood from the corner of their mouth. "But look at you—barely standing. You're nothing without her."
Aidan ignored the taunt, his focus unwavering. "Touch her, and I'll end you."
Sera's heart raced as she watched the scene unfold. She had never seen Aidan like this before—his movements slower, his power waning. She knew he was reaching his limit.
But then it happened again—that strange warmth stirring in her chest. It wasn't the first time she'd felt it. Ever since the night he saved her, there had been moments—flashes—when her body seemed to hum with energy she didn't understand.
A whisper of a memory surfaced: her hands lighting up when she was alone, a faint glow that disappeared as quickly as it came. At first, she thought she was imagining it, but now, as she stared at Aidan fighting with everything he had, she knew it wasn't her imagination.
The council member chuckled darkly, their silver eyes gleaming. "How touching. The mighty Aidan, protector of the powerless. But you forget—she doesn't belong to you. That power inside her? It's ours, and we'll take it back."
Before Sera could process the words, the council member launched forward, their movements a blur. Aidan met them head-on, the impact of their clash reverberating through the chapel.
Sera stumbled back, her breath hitching as the force of the battle sent shards of stone flying. She wanted to help, to do something, but she was frozen—fear and helplessness paralyzing her.
The warmth in her chest grew stronger, spreading through her veins like fire. It wasn't painful, but it was overwhelming, as though something deep within her was waking up. Her hands began to tingle, and when she looked down, she gasped.
A faint golden glow flickered across her fingertips, pulsing in time with her racing heartbeat.
"Sera, no!" Aidan's voice cut through the haze, snapping her out of her trance.
But it was too late. The council member saw the glow and turned their attention to her.
"So, it's true," they said, their voice laced with triumph. "You really are the key."
They lunged at her, but this time, Sera didn't cower. She raised her hands instinctively, and a burst of light erupted from her palms, colliding with their attack.
The force of the clash sent them both staggering. Sera fell to her knees, gasping for air, while the council member snarled, their confidence shaken.
Aidan was at her side in an instant, pulling her to her feet. "What were you thinking?" he demanded, his voice tinged with both anger and worry.
"I—I couldn't just stand there," she stammered, her voice trembling. "It just happened."
Aidan's expression softened, but only for a moment. "That power—it's dangerous. If they take it from you—"
"They won't," she interrupted, her eyes blazing with determination. "Not while we stand together."
Aidan stared at her, torn between admiration and fear. He knew she was right, but the thought of losing her terrified him more than any enemy.
The council member, now visibly weakened, glared at them. "You think this is over? You can't outrun the council. We'll hunt you to the ends of the earth if we have to."
Aidan stepped forward, his voice cold and steady. "Tell them to send whoever they want. We'll be ready."
The council member hesitated, their confidence faltering for the first time. With a growl of frustration, they retreated into the shadows, disappearing into the night.
---
As the dust settled, Sera and Aidan collapsed onto the chapel floor, their breaths heavy. The silence between them was thick with unspoken words.
Finally, Sera broke it. "What happens now?"
Aidan leaned back against the pew, his exhaustion evident. "Now, we prepare. They won't stop coming for you, Sera. That power inside you—it's a beacon. But we'll find a way to protect you."
Sera looked at him, her heart heavy with guilt. "I never asked for this, Aidan. I don't want to be the reason you're in danger."
He reached out, taking her hand in his. "You're not the reason, Sera. You're the reason I'm still fighting. Don't ever forget that."
Tears welled in her eyes as she nodded, the weight of their bond settling over her. Together, they would face whatever came their way, but deep down, she knew the battle was far from over.
As they sat in the dim light of the chapel, Sera glanced down at her hands. The glow was gone, but she could still feel it, a quiet hum beneath her skin.
She didn't know what it meant or how to control it, but one thing was clear—her power was growing. And with it, the stakes had never been higher.