In Chapter 7 of \u201cHealing Slowly But Surely\u201d by R. Joseph, the emotional turmoil intensifies as Zevran grapples with the actions of his brothers, who are setting a trap for Leilani in an attempt to protect Chalice. Despite his desire to keep Chalice safe, Zevran feels an unsettling heaviness in his chest, especially as he witnesses Leilani\u2019s desperate situation. The tension escalates when a massive black wolf intervenes, rescuing Leilani from danger, but the aftermath reveals her grave condition, leaving Zevran in a state of panic and helplessness.<\/p>\n
As Zevran rushes to Leilani\u2019s side, he is met with shock and disbelief from his brothers, who struggle to comprehend the unfolding crisis. Chalice\u2019s gratitude for their actions contrasts sharply with the chaos surrounding Leilani, highlighting the complexity of relationships among the characters. Zevran\u2019s internal conflict deepens as he realizes Chalice\u2019s admiration for Leilani, wishing she could learn compassion from her. However, the atmosphere shifts when Chalice reveals her suspicions about Leilani\u2019s involvement in the rogue attack, igniting a wave of anger and betrayal within Zevran.<\/p>\n
Leilani awakens in a hospital, disoriented and confronted by accusations from her family. As Chalice spreads lies about Leilani\u2019s supposed betrayal, the tension escalates, leading to a confrontation where Leilani desperately defends herself. The emotional weight of the situation becomes unbearable as her father disowns her, leaving Leilani feeling utterly abandoned and betrayed. The chapter culminates in a powerful moment where Leilani reveals her emancipation, signifying her determination to stand on her own despite the rejection from her family.<\/p>\n
Overall, this chapter captures the raw emotions of betrayal, desperation, and the struggle for identity amidst chaos. The characters navigate a web of complex relationships, with Zevran caught between loyalty to his brothers and his feelings for Leilani, while Leilani faces the harsh reality of being scapegoated for actions she did not commit. The narrative effectively portrays the intensity of their emotional journeys, setting the stage for further conflict and healing.<\/p>\n
**Healing Slowly But Surely**
\n**By R. Joseph**
\n**Cap\u00edtulo 7: The Break Up**<\/p>\n
Zevran.<\/p>\n
I found myself standing behind my brothers, an unsettling turmoil brewing within me, my heart pounding wildly as the weight of their actions settled in my stomach like a heavy stone sinking into the depths of a still pond.<\/p>\n
They were orchestrating a trap for Leilani\u2026 all for Chalice.<\/p>\n
Under normal circumstances, I would have felt justified. After all, my desire to keep Chalice safe was just as strong, if not stronger. Yet, there was an inexplicable heaviness in my chest, a sense of foreboding that gnawed at me.<\/p>\n
\u201cLIAR!\u201d Leilani\u2019s voice, raw and hoarse, sliced through my thoughts, forcing me to avert my gaze.<\/p>\n
It felt as if the world had conspired against her. Who would dare to stand in the way of this chaos?<\/p>\n
I watched as she closed her eyes, a look of resignation washing over her. My heart raced as the blade pressed dangerously close to her neck, a cruel reminder of her vulnerability. And then\u2014<\/p>\n
A thunderous howl erupted, reverberating through the room and shaking the very foundation beneath us. A massive black wolf burst into the space, its fierce focus locked onto Leilani as it charged forward.<\/p>\n
I stood frozen, torn between horror and fascination, as it sank its teeth into the rogue wolf that had her in its grasp. Instinct kicked in, and I shifted, joining the fray against the remaining rogues, who were now thrown into disarray.<\/p>\n
The battle raged on for what felt like an eternity, perhaps five minutes, maybe ten, before an eerie silence enveloped us. It was only then that the reality of Leilani\u2019s condition hit me. My mate. Our mate. She lay sprawled on the floor, bloodied and battered, a deep gash marring her neck.<\/p>\n
I sprinted towards her, desperation fueling my movements, but I was too late. A large male had already scooped her up, his eyes wild with panic as he desperately tried to revive her.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeilani!\u201d he shouted, his voice tinged with worry, an unmistakable sense of urgency. \u201cBaby, please wake up!\u201d<\/p>\n
B. A. B. Y?<\/p>\n
An icy dread gripped my chest. I turned to my brothers, who stood as immovable as statues, their expressions mirroring my own disbelief as they absorbed the scene unfolding before us.<\/p>\n
\u201cGirl, please don\u2019t do this to me!\u201d The stranger continued to plead, his focus unwavering despite the odd looks exchanged between Beta Blackthorne and his family.<\/p>\n
When Leilani remained unresponsive, he cradled her in his arms and rushed out of the room, his gaze fixed on her face as he stumbled through the doorway.<\/p>\n
I froze in place.<\/p>\n
Something deep within me felt as though it had been shattered, a tightly coiled spring unleashed, leaving me gasping for air. My eyes remained glued to the door long after he had vanished, and I could sense my brothers doing the same.<\/p>\n
\u201cCaelum, Zevran, Kael\u2026 thank you so much!\u201d Chalice\u2019s sweet voice cut through my stupor, and I turned to her as if on strings, forcing a smile that didn\u2019t quite reach my heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat for?\u201d Kael was the first to shake off his daze, wrapping an arm around Chalice and pulling her close.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor what you did back there!\u201d she replied, her tone light yet laced with concern. \u201cThough I feel terrible that Leilani had to bear the brunt of it all because of me.\u201d<\/p>\n
This was the aspect of Chalice I admired\u2014her genuine respect and care for Leilani, despite the latter\u2019s cruel treatment towards her.<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t help but wish that Leilani could learn a lesson or two from her.<\/p>\n
As if sensing my thoughts, Caelum nodded in agreement. \u201cI wish Leilani was more like you,\u201d he remarked, his voice casual, but I could see the way Chalice blushed, turning as red as a ripe beet. \u201cBut don\u2019t worry about her. I wouldn\u2019t mind stepping in again and again, as long as you\u2019re safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
But I minded.<\/p>\n
I minded it deeply.<\/p>\n
Chalice then leaned away from Kael, her perfectly manicured finger trailing over my chest. Lowering her voice to a whisper, she asked, \u201cI hope you guys won\u2019t get mad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAbout what?\u201d I queried, my brow furrowing in confusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cPromise me you won\u2019t be angry with Leilani first,\u201d she said, her words rolling off her tongue as she blinked sweetly at me and my brothers.<\/p>\n
Oh, sweet heavens, my body reacted in ways I couldn\u2019t ignore.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t,\u201d Kael growled, his voice low and dangerous.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf Leilani did anything reckless, she needs to face the consequences.\u201d That was Caelum, ever the voice of reason. I remained silent, observing them quietly while relishing the sensation of her fingers on my chest, pretending not to notice that she was doing the same to Caelum.<\/p>\n
\u201cI overheard her having a strange conversation with someone on the phone yesterday,\u201d she purred, and I felt a chill run down my spine. I had overheard her too, but today, I caught her talking about leaving.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026and after I sneakily checked her phone, I discovered she was communicating with someone about a planned attack. She was giving them our pack\u2019s address. I didn\u2019t understand what she meant until now\u2026 but I believe she instigated this rogue attack. And that guy who saved her? He\u2019s in on it too.\u201d<\/p>\n
I froze, my mind racing.<\/p>\n
\u201cTHE BITCH!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut why?\u201d I blurted out, my voice tinged with disbelief. \u201cWhy? She was the one most harmed. Why would she do that to herself?\u201d<\/p>\n
Chalice shot me an impatient look, retracting her hands from my body. With a flick of her wrist, she scoffed. \u201cWhy else? She craves your sympathy!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018She wanted your attention, and she got it.\u2019<\/p>\n
A seething rage coursed through me, and in frustration, I snarled at the lone guard stationed by the doorway.<\/p>\n
\u201cCheck if Leilani has been taken to the pack hospital. And if she has, ensure that no doctor treats her. Make it clear that it\u2019s an order from me. Do you understand?!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Alpha.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Leilani.<\/p>\n
For the second time this week, I awoke to the relentless beeping of monitors. But this time, they weren\u2019t connected to me; they were attached to the woman lying in the bed adjacent to mine.<\/p>\n
My body ached like I had been run over by a truck. My neck felt as though it had been torn apart and dipped in boiling oil. I tried to speak, but no words emerged, only a dry rasp.<\/p>\n
And then\u2014<\/p>\n
\u201cLeilani brought the wolves here! I don\u2019t know what I\u2019ve ever done to her that has made her target me since we were children. But this time, she crossed a line!\u201d Chalice\u2019s voice drifted in from outside the door, causing my eyes to snap open as the memories of the earlier chaos flooded back.<\/p>\n
But wait\u2026<\/p>\n
What did she mean by \u2018I brought the wolves\u2019?<\/p>\n
Why does this girl take such delight in fabricating lies about me?<\/p>\n
Just then, the door swung open, and a flurry of figures rushed into the room\u2014my father, mother, my brother Gavin, Chalice, and my mates. I swallowed hard, a sense of dread washing over me.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t\u2014\u201d my voice emerged, hoarse and weak.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpare me the act, scum!\u201d My father\u2019s voice thundered through the air, each word laced with fury. \u201cWhy did you do it?!\u201d<\/p>\n
In the corner of the room, wedged between Zevran and Kael, Chalice stood, her expression one of smug satisfaction, a smile only I could detect curling at her lips.<\/p>\n
My heart raced, tears welling in my eyes as I spat, \u201cI don\u2019t know what this is about, but I didn\u2019t do it. I\u2019ve never done anything wrong! Why are you all so quick to blame me every time something goes wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n
My throat throbbed painfully as I spoke, and I could taste the metallic tang of blood on my tongue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen explain this, Leilani!\u201d my mother growled, thrusting my phone into my hands. \u201cExplain this treason!\u201d<\/p>\n
I glanced down at the lit screen, my breath hitching as I saw an open chat window between me and an unknown number. A message had been sent from my account, instructing them to attack our pack, with a particular focus on Chalice.<\/p>\n
It even appeared I had sent a picture of Chalice to that number.<\/p>\n
I gasped, \u201cI didn\u2019t\u2026 what the hell? What is this?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLeilani, stop this charade! You keep hurting me despite the fact that I\u2019ve done nothing but love you!\u201d Chalice snapped, her words echoing in the stunned silence that enveloped the room.<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t endure this any longer. I couldn\u2019t bear the weight of these lies. I retorted, \u201cYou and I both know I didn\u2019t do this! You know I would never hurt anyone. Look at me!\u201d I pointed at the gash on my neck, my voice rising in desperation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know you\u2019ll do anything for attention.\u201d Gavin\u2019s voice cut through the tension, and I looked up, shocked that he would think so little of me.<\/p>\n
One glance at my mates told me they shared the same sentiment.<\/p>\n
\u201cChalice!\u201d I pleaded, desperation clawing at my throat. \u201cYou know I didn\u2019t do this! Tell them the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n
I saw malice flicker in her eyes, a darkness that sent chills down my spine. But then she looked away, bowing her head meekly at the triplets as she muttered, \u201cShe won\u2019t admit it, but we all know she did it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI did not!\u201d<\/p>\n
*Crack!*<\/p>\n
My father\u2019s hand connected with my face, sending my head whipping to the side, my lips splitting open. But I didn\u2019t cry out. I was done with the tears.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I was saying\u2026\u201d Chalice\u2019s voice sliced through the air, dripping with false sweetness. \u201cLet\u2019s not punish her, please. She seems so battered already.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe must be punished.\u201d This time, it was Kael who spoke, his tone cold and unyielding. I didn\u2019t need to turn to know that he was glaring at me; I could feel it in my bones.<\/p>\n
\u201cPunish her in the ways of old!\u201d my father snarled, plunging the room into yet another tense silence. \u201cPunish her as if she is not of noble blood\u2026 because she isn\u2019t! Henceforth, she is no longer my daughter! Every member of my household shall have nothing to do with her!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFather, you\u2019re\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo not call me father!\u201d he seethed, his gaze piercing through me with a deadly intensity. \u201cI am not your father, runt. I disown you!\u201d<\/p>\n
His words crashed down upon me like a tidal wave, leaving me gasping for breath as I registered the satisfaction etched on my family\u2019s faces\u2026 and then on my sister\u2019s.<\/p>\n
I shook my head, disbelief coursing through me. \u201cYou know, that\u2019s amusing,\u201d I whispered, my voice trembling with unshed tears. \u201cBecause I\u2019ve already secured a court-ordered emancipation form.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the aftermath of chaos and betrayal, the emotional landscape of both Zevran and Leilani has irrevocably shifted. Zevran, once consumed by the desire to protect Chalice, now finds himself grappling with the shattering realization of Leilani\u2019s alleged treachery. The weight of his brothers\u2019 judgments and the painful distance that has grown between him and his mate leaves him feeling isolated, a mere shadow of the fierce protector he once believed himself to be. The moment he witnesses Leilani\u2019s vulnerability and the raw emotional turmoil surrounding her, he is thrust into a whirlwind of conflicting loyalties. As the dust settles, it becomes painfully clear that the bonds of family and love have been tested to their limits, leaving behind a haunting silence where trust once thrived.<\/p>\n
Leilani, on the other hand, stands at the precipice of despair, her heart aching not just from physical wounds but from the betrayal of those she once called family. The weight of her father\u2019s disownment and Chalice\u2019s manipulations crush her spirit, forcing her to confront the stark reality of her isolation. Yet, in this moment of profound loss, she clings to the last shred of her identity\u2014the emancipation she secured, a symbol of her resilience. As she gazes into the abyss of her shattered relationships, a flicker of defiance ignites within her. No longer will she be defined by the lies spun around her; she will carve her own path, slowly but surely beginning the arduous journey of healing. In the face of adversity, both Zevran and Leilani are left to confront the painful truths of their lives, setting the stage for a tumultuous yet transformative journey ahead.<\/p>\n
What to Expect in the Next Chapter?<\/p>\n
As the tension escalates and the stakes rise, the next chapter promises a deep dive into the aftermath of Leilani\u2019s shocking disownment. With her family turning against her and the truth twisted into a web of deceit, readers can expect to witness Leilani\u2019s desperate fight for her innocence. Will she manage to unravel the lies that have ensnared her, or will she find herself further isolated from the very people she once called family? The emotional turmoil and the struggle for acceptance will be palpable as she confronts the betrayal of those closest to her.<\/p>\n
Moreover, the dynamics between Zevran, Chalice, and Leilani are set to shift dramatically. Zevran\u2019s internal conflict will intensify as he grapples with the truth about Leilani\u2019s alleged betrayal and his growing feelings for Chalice. Will he remain steadfast in his loyalty to his brothers, or will his heart lead him to uncover the genuine intentions behind Leilani\u2019s actions? The chapter is bound to explore the complexities of love, loyalty, and the consequences of choices made in desperation. Anticipate heart-wrenching revelations, unexpected alliances, and a battle for redemption that will leave readers breathless and yearning for more.<\/p>\n
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland\u2019s breathtaking cold.<\/p>\n
Healing Slowly But Surely By R. Joseph 7 Healing Slowly But Surely By R. Joseph 7 Summary In Chapter 7 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23210","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-chosen-by-none-feared-by-all"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23210","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23210"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23210\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23210"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23210"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23210"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}