REBORN AS THE GOD OF RUINS.

CHAPTER TEN - HER DECISION

Aralynn sat across Kael without the slightest idea of how to lure him to the cliff.

“You want to tell me something, mate.” Kael inquired, without looking at her.

Aralynn snapped her head towards Kael, her heart skipping a beat.

“No..no.” Aralynn stuttered.

“Do you want to stretch your leg then?” Kael asked, finally looking at her, his gaze sharp as if measuring a decision he had already made.

Aralynn's eyes widened in shock, she never expected him to give her a free pass.

“Are you planning to kill me on the way?” Aralynn asked, fear flickering in her eyes.

“Stay back then.” Kael replied flatly, walking away.

Aralynn didn't wait for any more invite before jumping on her feet, running after him.

—

They wandered the forest in silence, the distance between them heavier than words as every step tightened the knot in Aralynn’s chest.

It was almost past mid afternoon and they were both resting under an oak tree.

“Can I watch the stars?” Aralynn asked, meekly.

“The stars?” Kael repeated.

“Yes,” Aralynn nodded.

“You can watch it from the clearing.” Kael said, flatly.

“The clearing doesn't give a good view of the sky.” Aralynn pointed out.

“Where else will give you a good view.” Kael demanded.

“The cliff,” Aralynn blurted.

Kael snapped his head towards her, his brows furrowed.

“Which cliff?” Kael asked.

“The southern cliff,”

“Since we are out already, it isn't far from here.” Aralynn replied.

Kael said nothing, his eyes fixed on the forest floor.

“If we set off now, we can get there before midnight.” Aralynn added, staring at Kael.

Kael lifted his head slowly.

For a fleeting moment, something fragile crossed his eyes.

Hope, raw and unguarded but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

“Shall we?” Kael rose slowly.

Aralynn smiled as she jumped to her feet leading the way.

Behind her, Kael felt his chest tighten with something fragile he refused to name.

He sincerely hoped she wasn't going to hand her over to the enemy.

—

Later at night, the Southern cliff stretched endlessly before them, the wind whipping Aralynn’s hair around her face. She hugged her body, staring at the horizon and waiting.

Kael’s shadow loomed behind her silently, his amber eyes fixed on her every move.

“Haven't you watched the stars enough, mate.” Kael said.

“The stars barely just emerged,”

“Can we wait a little longer?” Aralynn pleaded.

“Are you seriously watching the stars or are you expecting something else?” Kael asked, crouching behind her.

Aralynn flinched but didn't turn.

“I'm waiting for the stars.” Aralynn replied with a tightened jaw.

“Bring him to the southern cliff tomorrow by midnight.” Kael mimicked Vani’s voice.

Aralynn's breath hitched, as she snapped her head towards Kael.

“How did you…”

“You think I won't know who my mate has been meeting.” Kael snapped, his voice dead cold.

Aralynn staggered back, her heart pounding.

“You knowing doesn't change anything,”

“I want my freedom!” Aralynn shrieked.

“By handing your mate to an enemy?” Kael smirked.

“Mate?”

“You are a monster who killed my father, not my mate!” Aralynn yelled, her eyes defiant and fierce.

Kael swallowed as he felt a sharp pain pierce his heart.

“So you have no regrets?” Kael questioned.

“I will do this over and over again to be free from you.” Aralynn spat.

Before Kael could react, a sudden gust tore across the cliff.

The air shimmered and a figure appeared hovering just above the stones.

Zephyr’s face smiled warmly at Aralynn.

“Father?” Aralynn called, walking towards the figure.

Kael’s eyes narrowed, recognizing the illusion immediately.

“Aralynn, step back. Now!” Kael roared, dread ripping through him.

But it was too late, the figure shifted violently and in a blink, Zephyr's face vanished.

The true form of Vani stood before Kael with her dark eyes gleaming and Aralynn gripped tightly in one hand dangling over the cliff.

“Let her go!” Kael roared, his veins glowing as his body trembled.

“Your choice, Kael.”

“Your life or your lover’s.” Vani hissed, her voice layered with menace.

“I will kill you first.” Kael growled, fury strung through him like molten fire.

“Choose wisely, god of ruins.” Vani smirked, tightening her grip on Aralynn's neck.

“Seems like you know who I truly am.” he spat.

And before Vani could understand what he meant, he lunged towards with a force faster than light.

Vani barely deflected the blow, still holding tightly to Aralynn.

Aralynn gasped for air, as fear dangled with her feet.

Vani twisted midair attempting to throw Aralynn into the void deliberately and for a terrifying moment, Aralynn slipped from his grasp.

Kael’s senses exploded and in a heartbeat, he hurled the wind beneath her, slowing her fall just enough to send her drifting toward the rocks below.

Rage tore through him, so before he could confirm she had landed safely, his body shifted into Oryxion.

And the wind vanished.

Vani’s eyes widened as he stared at the monster, but then Oryxion shot through the air and in one terrifying strike, he slammed into Vani, sending him sprawling across the cliff.

Vani shrieked as Oryxion struck, energy and darkness colliding with divine force. Pain seared through him as Oryxion’s wrath consumed him.

But before Oryxion could finish him off, Vani vanished.

Oryxion, consumed with fury, roared.

A roar that split the night, echoing across miles away.

It shifted back to human and when Kael turned towards where he had pulled Aralynn to, she wasn't there.

Then it hit him, he had shifted too soon.

“Aralynn!” Kael screamed, as he jumped down from the cliff edge.