Chapter 48\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013Kaia\u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n
Smoke hit me before I even reached the barn.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Thick and blinding. Burning my lungs with every breath I took.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Warriors were gathered outside, shouting orders, but no one moved toward the flames.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The fire roared too violently, swallowing the structure plank by plank.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The pack members were there as well. Crying for their pups, trapped in the fire.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe roof is going to collapse!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOh goddess, the pups will\u00a0<\/p>\n
get hurt\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe heat\u2019s too much. There\u2019s no way anyone can get in!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is going to happen to the pups? They are trapped inside!\u201d someone cried.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My stomach lurched.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Two small, terrified voices were screaming inside.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Everyone hesitated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Everyone\u2026 except me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t have time to think. I couldn\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If I think selfishly about myself first the pups won\u2019t survive.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The screams coming from the burning barn cut straight through my bones.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I pushed past the warriors\u2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I ran faster than my wolf could before anyone tried to stop me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cKaia! What do you think you are doing?\u201d I heard voices thundered from somewhere behind me. \u201cStop-!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
But I didn\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t stop now. Not when two little pups are trapped in a burning barn.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I yanked my shirt over my mouth, lowered my body, and ran into the fire.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Heat slammed into me like a wall.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:31 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 48\u00a0<\/p>\n
My eyes watered instantly, the smoke clawing at my throat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The air was thick, choking, but the crying high, panicked pups guided me through.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m coming!\u201d I yelled. \u201cDont be scared, nothing will happen to you\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
A collapsed beam blocked the back corner. I shoved at it until my arms shook.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u0b39\u0b01 \u0b2c\u0b3f 63 )\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
Some splinters tore into my palms, but I kept tugging at them until the wood gave way just enough.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Two small figures huddled together, hugging each other in the corner, coughing and crying.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCome here!\u201d I crawled to them, gathering one under each arm. \u201cHold on to me tight. Don\u2019t let go.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
They clung to me like their lives depended on it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Technically, their lives do depend on this.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The roof groaned above us.I cursed under my breath and ran.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The exit was a blur of orange and heat and smoke. The children wheezed against my shoulders, their small bodies trembling.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost there,\u201d I rasped. \u201cJust hold on a little more\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Just a few more steps\u2026. The roof cracked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I threw myself forward, curling my body around the kids as a flaming beam crashed behind us.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n
I felt hands.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Strong, familiar arms grabbed us, pulling us into open air.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t even see his face, just heard his voice, rough with something I didn\u2019t want to name.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I collapsed to my knees, coughing violently.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The kids were lifted from my arms, rushed to the clinic.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Someone draped a blanket over my shoulders. People were crowding around, talking, whispering.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cKaia saved them.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe didn\u2019t even hesitate. She risked her life\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:31 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 48\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShe ran in before any of us could move\u2026\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cKaia is so selfless. Honestly, I could never do what she did\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
And then- They began cheering.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cheering for me. Not mocking.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The same people who were looking at me with disgust a few hours ago looked at me differently.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They were not whispering behind my back. Or calling me an outsider.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They were looking at me with respect.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Maybe even admiration.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t know what to do with it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
.63)\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
I just stared at the flames dying down, trying to catch my breath, not from the smoke, but from the shock of being seen differently for once.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Behind me, Theo was still there.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I could feel him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
His gaze on my back. Shaken but proud.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And maybe even something\u2026 more.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While I sat catching my breath with some of the omega tending to me, Theo came to my side.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He linked his hand brushing mine as he helped me up.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCome. I will take you to your room\u201d He said, steering me toward my room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBut-\u201cI tried to argue.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need a shower,\u201d he said, his voice low but firm. \u201cAnd you shouldn\u2019t put yourself in danger like that again.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I blinked at him, a little stunned.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy? Are\u2026 are you worried about me?\u201d I asked, heart thudding.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He froze for a heartbeat, just long enough to make my stomach twist.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then he shook his head, almost as if annoyed at my question.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous,\u201d he muttered, but the edge in his tone didn\u2019t quite mask the concern in his eyes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I took a step closer, daringly. \u201cBecause it looked like you were worried. Or\u2026 maybe a little scared.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:31 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 48\u00a0<\/p>\n
His jaw tightened, and for a moment he said nothing. Then he finally let out a short, sharp laugh.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cScared? Kaia\u2026 don\u2019t be absurd.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I raised an eyebrow, smirking despite the lingering soot and sweat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cRight. So you\u2019re just\u2026 angry I ignored your warnings?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t answer, only shoved the door open to my room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
(63)\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
I hesitated at the threshold, wanting to press him for more, but he gave me that hard, unreadable look that made me pause.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cShower,\u201d he repeated, stepping back. \u201cNow. And don\u2019t make me check on you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cArent you a little too harsh on someone who almost died just now?\u201d I teased.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cKaia\u2026\u201d Theo gritted his teeth, restraining himself. \u201cWhat were you thinking? Throwing yourself in danger like that?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He clenched his fists as if to restrain himself. I saw flickers of the anger he was holding back.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cChill, Theo\u201d I tried to play it casually. \u201cSee. Nothing happened to me. I\u2019m fine\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I moved closer, trying to touch him but he moved back.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cKaia, come to the training field. 9:am sharp, let\u2019s have a drill.\u201d I say. \u201cYour skills are lame for someone of your status\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Kaia remarked. \u201cNo, I\u2019m not training with you\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, you are,\u201d I replied. \u201cThis is an order not a suggestion\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I looked at his face trying to see if he was joking but he was dead serious.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Be ready for training at nine. Your fighting is\u2026 lacking.\u201d He repeated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I narrowed my eyes, but there was no arguing with him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Not when he looked like that. Like he was trying not to show more than he wanted me to see.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stepped inside, letting the door close with a soft click.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My chest was racing, and it wasn\u2019t just from the fire or the smoke. It was him. Always him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Watching him leave, I realise maybe I didn\u2019t want him to stay away after all.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:32 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella\u2019s storytelling style is immersive and addictive\u2014perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shadows Follow Lonely Minds \u2014 Christopher Harris 48 Chapter 48\u00a0 \u2013Kaia\u2013\u00a0 Smoke hit me before I even reached the barn.\u00a0 […]<\/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":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27293","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-nightshade-heir-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27293","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=27293"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27293\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27293"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27293"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27293"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}