Novel & Cerita The Cautious Hero

I would not. Kael's lips parted a little, as if he were about to say something, but then he did something unexpected: he smiled faintly, though it was dangerous, calculating, and full of mystery. He said softly, "You are... daring." "And maybe, for the first time, someone has made me rethink what I thought I knew. But Nova, be careful. Being brave isn't enough. Courage is weak without understanding. And defiance... defiance without a plan can be deadly.

He laughed, low and melodic, and the sound carved a small sanctuary in my chest. When his breathing evened again, I watched him the curve of his lips, the faint scar near his collarbone from the last rogue attack, the way his fingers twitched when he dreamed. He looked so fragile, but he wasn’t. Cael had endured more than most warriors I’d known. Still, something tugged at the back of my mind a whisper, almost instinctual. The kind that warned before storms. The kind that carried the scent of smoke before you saw the fire.

And then, Randell pinned the blame entirely on me. I inhaled deeply as I continued reading the comments on the screen. If I hadn't seen any of these comments and really went after Randell, then the only thing waiting for me would be a lifetime of Randell's meticulously planned revenge. Thank goodness that wasn't the case now. Just as I was about to return to my room, I noticed a red alert on my phone. The alert warned of upcoming torrential rain that might potentially cause natural disasters and advised everybody to stay at home and not venture out anywhere.

“Because you’re a hero, remember? Isn’t this what heroes do?” Kael turned to look at her over his shoulder, one brow raised. “Hero? I’m pretty sure I was roped into this by you.” “You could’ve said no,” she teased. “Could I, though?” His grin was fleeting, but it was there—a small attempt to break the tension that had been clinging to them since they left the village. Lucian, trailing a few paces behind, stayed silent. His gaze darted to the shadows between the trees, his heightened senses scanning for any sign of danger. He’d insisted they travel under the cover of night, when he was strongest and the odds of being followed were lower.

“He’s good-looking. And single. You know that, right?” I smirked. “Are you worried, Kaiden?” “I’m cautious,” he snapped. “There’s a difference.” I turned to Sage. “And you?” Sage laughed, soft and unbothered. “I trust you. You can go. If it helps your friend, then I don’t mind.” Kaiden groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Of course you don’t mind. You’re too trusting.” “That’s not a flaw,” Sage replied. “It’s who I am.”

She instantly freed herself and ran towards her savior. The other two gestured to attack Hero, but he didn't give them the chance to do so. He swiftly gave the first guy a headbutt and kicked the third man in the abdomen. The three villains immediately left before getting beaten into a pulp. She just stood there, dumbfounded and amazed! "Are you all right, Miss?" Hero asked her, snapping her back to her senses. "Y-Yes. Thank you," she answered nervously. "Nex time, do not roam around all by yourself. You do not know this place," he told her before turning around and leaving her.

“I’ve heard the same about you, though your talents seem… broader.” Her smirk didn’t falter, but her eyes sharpened. I had just confirmed I knew about her and Lucien. Caelum chuckled softly, but his posture was coiled like a predator’s. “Let’s not keep Lucien waiting, Cassandra.” She inclined her head and drifted away, her perfume lingering in her wake. “Careful,” Caelum murmured once she was gone. “Did I overstep?” I asked. “Not yet,” he said. “But she’s dangerous. Don’t underestimate her.”

He didn’t resist, his steps calm and measured, as if he already knew the path better than they did. Erin stayed close to Lena, her voice low. “I don’t trust him. He knows too much, and he’s too... calm.” “I don’t trust him either,” Lena admitted. “But what if he knows how to end this?” Erin paused, holding her dagger's hilt in her hand. "Just assure me that you will maintain your vigilance." Caius glanced back at them, his smirk returning as if he had overheard their exchange. “I wouldn’t waste time whispering,” he said. “The answers you seek are just ahead.”

He shifts his attention to me and warns, “He doesn’t believe that she’s dead so she’s looking for her. So, you be careful about discussing that too. Mage Serra is currently a hero in this kingdom. The Lycan king insisted on that.” My frown deepens. Caius never told me about it. Besides, he is supposed to tell me everything about the Dunkerson kingdom! He left out this massive information from me! And so, once I confirm that I am registered, I make my way toward the inn. There are a couple of inns in the town, but I know exactly where he is. The tiny crystal he gives me is a pair. He has one as well. It’s so we can communicate with each other anytime, including finding each other wherever we