She’d chosen a simple outfit for the morning activities—light cotton blouse, short sleeves, collar just high enough to feel safe. After yesterday’s pool incident, she’d sworn she wouldn’t get wet again. She’d stayed dry. Stayed quiet. Stayed invisible.
She hadn’t seen Lucas since the welcome dinner.
Hadn’t spoken to him.
Hadn’t dared ask where he’d gone.
But she felt him now.
Somewhere nearby.
Close enough that her pulse shifted.
Close enough that her seal warmed faintly beneath her skin.
She was helping Mina sort scavenger clues near the fountain when someone called her name.
She hadn’t planned to be near the fountain.
Mina had dragged her into the scavenger hunt setup, laughing as she handed out clue cards and water bottles. Elara had chosen a light blouse—short sleeves, modest neckline, nothing suspicious. She’d been careful. After yesterday’s pool incident, she wasn’t taking chances.
“You’re too tense,” Mina teased, nudging her. “You act like someone’s watching you.”
Elara smiled weakly. “I just don’t want to fall again.”
“You won’t. You’re not cursed.”
But the moment came anyway.
She was reaching for the final clue card when a junior staffer—excited, rushing—accidentally bumped her from behind.
She stumbled.
Lost her balance.
Fell forward.
Straight into the fountain.
Water surged around her, soaking her blouse instantly. The fabric clung to her skin, collar sagging, neckline pulled wide.
She gasped, scrambling to her feet, heart pounding.
The seal.
It was visible.
Crimson-gold.
Delicate.
Alive.
She clutched the edge of her blouse, backing away from the fountain, arms crossed tightly over her chest.
“Elara?” Mina called. “You okay?”
“I-I’m fine,” she stammered. “Just—just wet.”
But then she saw him.
Alistair Draeven.
Standing nearby.
Watching.
Eyes narrowing.
Her breath caught.
Lucas was beside him.
And the moment he saw her—saw the way she clutched her blouse, saw the flicker of gold on her collarbone—he moved.
Fast.
He crossed the space between them in seconds, stepping in front of her, blocking her from view.
“Elara,” he said, voice low.
She looked up, cheeks burning.
“I—I didn’t mean to—”
But Lucas didn’t hesitate.
He reached for her waist, pulled her gently but firmly against him, shielding her completely.
Her face buried in his chest.
Her arms caught between them.
Her breath tangled in his shirt.
She froze.
Then melted.
Because he wasn’t just covering her.
He was claiming her.
Without words. Without permission. Without fear.
His hand stayed at her waist, steady and warm. His other arm curved protectively around her shoulders, blocking every angle of view.
She felt her seal pulse against his skin.
Felt his heartbeat match hers.
Felt the world narrow to just this.
“You’re okay,” he whispered.
She nodded, trembling.
“I didn’t mean for anyone to see—”
“They saw me,” he said. “Not you.”
She clutched his shirt tighter, face still buried.
“You’re very close,” she mumbled.
“I’m allowed.”
She stammered. “I—I mean, yes, but—”
He leaned his head slightly, resting it against hers.
“You always get like this when I’m near?”
She groaned softly. “Don’t tease me.”
“I’m not. I’m just… holding you.”
Behind them, Alistair stepped forward.
“That seal,” he said slowly. “It’s the same.”
Lucas didn’t turn. “Yes.”
“It’s hers?”
Lucas’s voice was calm. “It’s ours.”
Riven blinked, stunned. “Lucas…”
Alistair stared, then looked at Elara—just once.
She flinched.
Lucas moved again, subtly but deliberately—tightening his hold, shielding her completely.
“She’s not for scrutiny,” he said.
Riven glanced at Alistair, then back at Lucas—quietly impressed, quietly protective.
No one spoke.
Because the seal had already answered.
And Lucas had already chosen.