The sanctuary was still warm with divine magic, but peace never lasted long in the South. Not when bonds formed in shadows. Not when Kaela was watching. The Rumor Reaches the Blades Kaela stood on the edge of the training grounds, arms folded, crimson armor gleaming beneath the rising sun. She didn't speak as Ryon approached—just tossed a spear at his feet. "Is it true?" she asked coldly. He didn't pretend to misunderstand. "You sealed a pact with the priestess." Her jaw clenched. "You made her yours." "No," Ryon said, "I earned her trust." Kaela's eyes sparked like flint on steel. "Then earn mine—again." > System Alert: Loyalty Clash Detected Emotion Spike: Possessiveness / Unresolved Desire Bond Integrity: At Risk Suggested Action: Reaffirm Position Through Combat or Intimacy Bonus Quest Unlocked: "Win the Warrior's Heart" Optional Outcome: Trigger Emotional Breakthrough Kaela led him to a closed-duel arena—a silent pit lit by enchanted braziers. "Strip to your soul," she said. He raised a brow. "Excuse me?" "Not your clothes. Your intentions." Ryon removed his upper tunic and stepped barefoot into the pit. Kaela did the same, her long braid lashing like a whip in the wind. "No weapons," she said. "No mercy," he replied. It wasn't just a fight. It was a conversation in movement—fists, kicks, counters, breath against breath. Kaela was faster, stronger, more experienced. But Ryon was unpredictable. Focused. Fighting not to dominate, but to connect. She struck—he caught her wrist. She twisted—he countered with a slip and pin. They rolled—grappling, breathless, flushed. Until Kaela froze beneath him, chest heaving. "You should have lost," she whispered. "I wasn't fighting to win," he replied. Her fingers curled into his arm. "I hate how you look at the others." "Then let me look at you like that too." The Break in Her Walls She stared at him—eyes filled with rage, heat, and something else. And when she pulled back, it wasn't with weakness—but choice. "You're not mine," she said. "But I want to be yours. If you earn me—earn all of me—I'll follow you through hell." "I already did," Ryon murmured, brushing his thumb across her cheek. "I found you there." Kaela Bond Progress: 19% → 26% Emotion Stabilized: Jealousy → Loyalty New Trait Unlocked: Warrior's Devotion – Ally gains bonus protection when nearby Harem Path Update: Kaela flagged as Main Wife Candidate Time Remaining: 4 Days, 22 Hours That night, Kaela stood guard outside his room. Ryon lay awake, heart pounding. And yet the Matriarch watched. And others… were still waiting in the dark.