Episode Nine

Lines That Cannot Be Erased

The night came slowly.

Mira sat alone on the edge of the bed. Her hands rested on her stomach. Her breathing was calm but her thoughts were not.

The bond was quieter now. Not gone. Just waiting.

She could feel Kade somewhere far away. A presence that refused to release her. It no longer burned. It pressed. Like a reminder carved into her soul.

Alder stood on the balcony outside the room. She could sense him too. Grounded. Steady. Guarding without hovering.

That balance was new to her.

She stood and walked toward the balcony door.

The night air was cool against her skin.

Alder turned when he heard her. “You should be sleeping.”

“I cannot.”

He nodded. “Neither can I.”

They stood side by side looking out over the estate. Torches burned along the walls. Guards moved in slow patterns. Everything looked peaceful. It was not.

“I keep thinking about what comes next,” Mira said.

“So do I.”

“What if the council turns against you.”

“They will not act openly.”

“And if they do quietly.”

“Then I will handle it.”

She looked at him. “You always say that.”

“Because it is true.”

She smiled faintly. “You sound like someone who has carried power for too long.”

“I have.”

“Does it ever get heavy.”

“Yes.”

“Why do you keep it.”

“Because if I do not someone worse will.”

She thought of her father. Of Kade. Of the elders who had looked at her like a future problem.

“I understand that,” she said.

Silence settled again.

“Alder,” she said softly.

“Yes.”

“If this child had not happened would you still have chosen me.”

He answered without hesitation. “Yes.”

Her chest tightened. “Why.”

“Because you do not disappear when things become difficult.”

She laughed quietly. “I feel like I am falling apart.”

“Falling apart is not disappearing.”

She leaned against the railing. “Kade says I belong to him.”

Alder’s jaw tightened. “You belong to yourself.”

“The bond disagrees.”

“The bond is not a cage.”

“It feels like one.”

He turned fully toward her. “Look at me.”

She did.

“You are not owned,” he said. “Not by fate. Not by blood. Not by me.”

Tears filled her eyes. “Then why does choosing feel like betrayal.”

“Because bonds were designed to demand loyalty without asking consent.”

“That feels cruel.”

“It is.”

She wiped her face. “What happens if I never break it.”

“Then you live with it,” Alder said. “But you do not obey it.”

She nodded slowly.

A sudden sharp wave rolled through her body. She gasped and grabbed the railing.

Alder was instantly beside her. “What is it.”

“My stomach,” she whispered.

Pain surged again. Not sharp. Deep.

Alder lifted her carefully and carried her inside. He laid her on the bed and knelt beside her.

“Breathe,” he said.

She tried.

The pain eased slowly.

Her heart pounded.

“I felt him,” she said.

“Kade.”

“Yes.”

“He is angry.”

Alder’s eyes darkened. “He should be careful with that.”

Mira shook her head. “He is not angry at you. He is angry at me.”

“That is not your burden.”

“It feels like it is.”

Alder took her hand. “Listen to me. The bond reacts to stress. Not command.”

“So he cannot force me.”

“No.”

She closed her eyes. “That helps.”

Alder stayed until her breathing evened out.

Later that night Mira dreamed.

She stood in a field under a red moon. Two paths stretched before her. One burned. One was dark but steady.

A child stood between them.

When she woke her decision felt clearer.

Morning arrived with tension.

News traveled fast.

Scouts reported movement near the borders. Kade was gathering support. Not openly. Quietly.

Alder called his commanders.

Mira listened from the doorway.

“We fortify,” one said.

“We wait,” said another.

Alder raised his hand. “We do not strike first.”

Mira stepped forward. “He will not either.”

All eyes turned to her.

“He wants control,” she continued. “Not war. Not yet.”

Alder studied her. “You are certain.”

“Yes.”

The council members looked uneasy.

“What do you suggest,” one asked.

“I speak to him.”

Alder turned sharply. “No.”

“It has to be me,” she said. “This started with me.”

“And it could end you.”

“I will not go alone.”

Silence followed.

Alder exhaled slowly. “If this happens it will be on our terms.”

She nodded. “That is all I ask.”

Preparations began quietly.

No banners. No threats. Just readiness.

Mira spent the afternoon resting. Eating when she could. Breathing through waves of fear.

That evening Alder joined her again.

“You are brave,” he said.

“I am terrified,” she replied.

“Those two often walk together.”

She reached for his hand. “Thank you for not deciding for me.”

He squeezed her fingers. “Thank you for trusting me.”

The bond pulsed softly.

Not painful.

Not demanding.

Just present.

Mira stared out at the darkening sky.

Lines had been drawn.

Not by fate.

By choice.

And this time she would not erase herself to keep the peace.