Forbidden Mate Legacy

Kael sat at the head of the open-air pavilion, the sun casting long shadows across the polished black stone table. The resting day at the Academy meant that, for once, the usual tension and rigid discipline were set aside. Yet, even as the other students embraced the rare leisure, Kael found it difficult to lower his guard.

His small circle of trusted Demons had gathered as usual– Rael, ever the carefree troublemaker, standing with an infuriating smirk. Beside him Vamir, Soren and the final member of their group, Lucien.

"You look like you haven't slept in weeks," Rael remarked, plopping down onto the bench beside Kael. "I mean, don't get me wrong, brooding is your thing, but you're starting to look like a ghost."

Kael shot him a flat look. "And you look like a fool. But that's nothing new."

Rael clutched his chest in mock pain. "Ah, you wound me, My Prince!"

Vamir sighed, shaking his head. "You set yourself up for that one."

"Exactly," Kael said dryly.

Rael smirked. "I suppose I should be grateful you're talking at all. Thought you'd be off somewhere glaring at a wall, contemplating the meaning of existence."

Kael ignored him and turned to Vamir. "Any news?"

Vamir, ever composed, gave a slow nod. "Everything seems good but I don't know when the storm will break."

Kael said nothing.

Rael, however, exhaled dramatically. "And yet, here we are, stuck in this Academy, learning how to spar against witches and humans instead of actually dealing with real problems."

"You're not stuck," Soren pointed out. "You could leave anytime. No one would miss you."

Rael placed a hand over his heart. "I would miss me."

Kael pinched the bridge of his nose. "I regret inviting you all here."

"You didn't," Lucien reminded him. "We simply exist in your presence whether you like it or not."

Rael leaned closer. "You like it."

Kael gave him a long, unamused look before turning back to Vamir. "What about our…other problems?"

Vamir's eyes darkened slightly. "Still unknown. Whoever is pulling the strings behind the shadows remains hidden. But it won't stay that way for long."

Kael gave him a curt nod. He would make sure of that.

Rael suddenly stretched with a loud yawn. "Alright, enough of this brooding. If we're stuck here, let's at least enjoy ourselves. Maybe talk about something more…entertaining."

Lucien sighed, already predicting where the conversation is headed. "If this is another one of your pointless discussion–"

"How do you plan to do that?" Soren asked.

Raels' grin widened. "By annoying the hell out of our dear Prince, of course."

Kael sighed. It's going to be long afternoon

"And oh! Lucien, it's not pointless," Rael interrupted, a grin playing on his lips. "It's an important topic. One every noble Demon must eventually face."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Spit it out."

Rael smirked. "Marriage."

Vamir groaned. Soren sighed. Lucien, as usual, said nothing. Though amusement flickers in his red eyes.

"Honestly, it's surprising none of us are betrothed yet," Rael continued, resting his chin on his palm. "I mean, except for Kael, who would probably terrify any potential bride into running."

Kael shot him a cool glance. "I have no interest in such matters."

Rael laughed. "Of course you don't. You're too busy brooding and making everyone uncomfortable."

Vamir ignored the teasing and instead turned to Kael with a more serious expression. "Marriage is inevitable for all of us, you included. Your position as heir makes it certain."

Kael's fingers tapped lightly against the rim of his cup. "Certainty does not mean urgency."

Lucien finally spoke, his voice quiet but firm. "Avoiding it forever isn't an option."

Rael grinned. "That's the problem with Kael–he's not interested in romance. Which is why he'll end up with a political marriage to some dull noblewoman."

Kael gaze darkened slightly. "If the time comes, I will choose what benefits the kingdom."

Rael snickered. "See? No emotion. No passion. Just duty." he leaned back dramatically. "Unlike me. I want love, the kind that shakes the earth and burns through the soul."

Soren rolled his eyes. "You want chaos." 

Rael smirked. "Same thing."

Lucien shook his head. "Love is unpredictable. It can be a strength or a weakness."

Kael remained silent, his thoughts drifting elsewhere. Love had never been a priority. He had witnessed its fragility, its dangers. Affection could be exploited, used against you. It was better to remain untethered, unburdened.

Yet, as his mind wandered, an unbidden image surfaced–blue eyes, defiant and unwavering.

"Kael?"

He blinked, realizing Rael had been watching him closely.

"You just zoned out," Rael teased. "Thinking about someone, perhaps?"

Kael's expression turned icy. "No"

Rael grinned. "Liar."

Vamir sighed. "Enough nonsense."

Rael chuckled, but he let the topic drop-for now.

Kael exhaled slowly, pushing all the thoughts aside. He had more important matters to focus on. Love was a distraction he couldn't afford. And he had no use of distraction.