Chapter 65\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013Kaia\u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n
63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t leave Theo\u2019s side.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I sat by his side for hours, watching him stir and groan in his sleep.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The doctor said his condition wasn\u2019t so good. He would be bedridden for a few days.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And would need support since he can\u2019t handle himself.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I can support him if he wants.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When Theo woke up after a few hours, we chatted and I saw how vulnerable and scared he was.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My heart broke for him. He looked like a man who was on the verge of losing everything.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I left Theo\u2019s room when the doctor asked me to. He needed some private time with Theo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I returned to my room to rest for a while.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But I didn\u2019t sleep, I couldn\u2019t.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After everything that happened.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mine and Theo\u2019s mate bond was splited and our wolves snarled at each other, a sign of rejection.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Everyone in the pack looked at me, confused and whispering to each other.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then as usual, Cara seized the chance to humiliate Theo and me in front of the pack.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I can\u2019t stand her, she\u2019s beyond evil for doing that to us.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou lied. Both of you lied to the pack\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her words still echo, sharp enough to reopen wounds I fought years to heal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But none of it compares to the sound of Theo collapsing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The way Zane\u2019s voice broke when he shouted for help.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My heart dropped to my throat when I called out to Theo and I didnt get any answers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hours later, the halls were quiet, but my chest refused to stop thundering against my ribs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stand outside his chamber door, my hands shaking and heart racing in terrified circles.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t pay as much attention as I should, but I heard a few Elders whispering about Theo and me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:36 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 65\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Everyone in the pack looked at me differently while the doctors were attending to Theo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t care, I just wanted Theo to be okay.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I heard some omegas gossiping about me, but I don\u2019t care about any of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I only care about him, I clasped my hands silently praying for his safety.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I hope the moon goddess won\u2019t forsake me as she did before.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I lost Draven, no, he forsake me. I hope I dont lose Theo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After the doctor left, Zane finally let me back in.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Theo was unconscious. His skin was pale, and his lips were a little chapped.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He was breathing too unstable to my dismay.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I sat beside him, taking his hand into mine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
His hand felt too cold.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I locked eyes with him, something in me cracked\u00a0<\/p>\n
663\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t care what the Moon says,\u201d I whisper. I sounded like I was about to cry. \u201cMy wolf doesn\u2019t care either.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Our wolves didnt reject each other. We didnt reject each other either.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So how can the moon goddess be so cruel as to interfere in our lives like that?\u00a0<\/p>\n
I can feel it, this wasn\u2019t the goddess\u2019 doing. I feel something was wrong but I have no evidence to back my claims.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I know it in my heart but the pack?\u00a0<\/p>\n
They don\u2019t wait for the truth, they only care about the plain things presented in front of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I could swear they were already blaming me for how things turned out.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But who cares what they think of me?\u00a0<\/p>\n
I lowered my head into Theo\u2019s hand, holding it close to my face.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI choose you,\u201d I breathe, softer now, more terrified.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And there it is, I spat out something I\u2019ve been holding back.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The truth I kept trying to deny all this time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI choose you even if the goddess doesn\u2019t bind us.\u201d My voice choked. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter if we are true fated mates or not. What matters is that we want to live and love each other until our last breaths\u201d Tears streamed\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:36 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 65\u00a0<\/p>\n
down my face. \u201cAnd even if your heart is weak.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The moment the last words slipped out from my lips, I froze.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I had questioned Zane about Theo\u2019s condition and forced him to tell me the truth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Zane told me just enough, enough to scare me away.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But I\u2019m not easily broken especially when it comes to a man I loved.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I lifted Theo\u2019s hand and pressed it to my forehead.\u00a0<\/p>\n
63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not Elara.\u201d My voice is rough. \u201cI won\u2019t run. I won\u2019t choose power over you either. I won\u2019t pretend I didn\u2019t feel what I felt the moment I looked at you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My heart thuds painfully.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf your heart can only beat for one more year, then I\u2019ll spend that year with you.\u201d I took a sharp breath. \u201cIf it can only beat for a month\u2026 then I\u2019ll take that month.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I looked at Theo\u2019s cold unconscious face. \u201cAnd if it breaks tomorrow\u2026\u201d My throat tightened. \u201cThen it breaks in my arms. Not alone.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My heart thundered against my chest loudly. I would defy the goddess herself for this man.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And the terrifying part? I think my wolf would too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2013Theo\u2013\u00a0<\/p>\n
The first thing I felt when I woke up was pain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My chest burned with unbearable pain but I\u2019m an Alpha I can handle the pain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Though it felt like my heart was being squeezed until it was crumpled.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When I opened my eyes, I didnt see anyone beside my bed, it was empty.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That realisation sent a shot of pain down my chest.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I could swear I dreamt that Kaia was crying on me but maybe it wasn\u2019t just my heart failing anyone, I\u2019d have dementia as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For a few days now, Kaia\u2019s hands cupping my hands have kept me warm.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But but there\u2019s nothing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She must have learnt the truth about what I\u2019ve been keeping from her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I wouldn\u2019t blame her if she got mad at me and refused to forgive me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I blinked slowly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:36 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 65\u00a0<\/p>\n
When my vision cleared up, I was able to fully see my room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There were dim lamps, and bandages on my torso.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When I raised my head, I saw Kaia sitting on the floor amd my heart skipped.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She pulled her knees to her chest, I could see, her face was blotchy from crying.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The moment my breath caught, she lifted her head.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her eyes, oh gods, they broke something deep inside me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t sit up,\u201d she whispered\u00a0<\/p>\n
But I try to anyway, because she\u2019s too far. And I need her closer.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pain exploded across my chest. I hissed through my gritted teeth and collapsed back.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kaia\u2019s chair scraped the floor as she lunged to my bedside.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Not touching. Just close enough that I could hear how fast her heart was beating.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTheo\u2026I told you not to get up\u201d she scolded me, pushing a pillow under my head.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you crying, Kaia?\u201d I asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, why should I cry?\u201d Her voice fractures. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me about your heart, Theo?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My throat closed, and I could taste dryness in my throat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Once she knew, she would realise she deserved someone stronger.\u00a0<\/p>\n
63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
Because I was already losing her tonight. First the bond, then the humiliation in front of the Elders, then Cara\u2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I thought I could survive anything except losing Kaia.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So I stayed silent.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t want you to worry,\u201d I say quietly. \u201cYou already had enough on your shoulders.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not an answer.\u201d Tears spill again. \u201cYou hid it from me. You let me think we had a future when you were fighting to breathe.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My lips tremble. \u201cI didn\u2019t want to scare you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou terrified me anyway.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her words slap harder than any rogue could.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kaia dragged her palms down her face, frustrated, hurting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:36 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 65\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHow long. Theo? How long have you been pretending you\u2019re fine?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cA while.\u201d I whispered.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She shook her head like she couldn\u2019t believe me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you thought what? That I wouldn\u2019t care? That I\u2019d walk away if I knew?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My voice broke. Because that fear has been eating me alive.\u00a0<\/p>\n
h\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought you\u2019d see me as a burden. As someone who\u2019d tie your life down. Someone who could die at any moment and leave you shattered.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her lips part.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So I keep going, because everything in me is unravelling anyway.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd tonight\u2026 when the Moon goddess rejected us\u2026\u201d My chest tightened. \u201cI thought maybe it was a sign. That you deserved someone strong. Someone with a stable and healthy heart. Someone who wasn\u2019t born with a failing heart like mine.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her breath caught. She moved closer.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cTheo,\u201d she whispers. \u201cLook at me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I did. Her eyes shone with tears.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t care if the moon goddess never chose us,\u201d she said. \u201cI don\u2019t care if the elders or if the whole pack\u00a0<\/p>\n
doubt us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI choose you.\u201d Her voice trembled with its steadiness with conviction. \u201cMate bond or not. Healthy or hurt or scared out of your mind, I choose you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My throat constricted.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you die,\u201d she said softly, \u201cI\u2019ll be broken either way. But I\u2019d rather love you for one day than walk regret it for a lifetime.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Something inside me shattered.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I cover my face with my hand and breathe out a gasp, half sob, half relief.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kaia gently pulled my hand away. Her fingers brushed against my cheek.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And for the first time since the bond snapped, I breathe fully.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cKaia\u2026\u201d.I swallow hard. \u201cI\u2019m terrified of losing you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou won\u2019t,\u201d she muttered. \u201cNot because of your heart. Or because a mate bond failed.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She made her forehead touch mine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
away and\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:36 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 65\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m here, Theo.\u201d Her voice broke beautifully. \u201cAnd I\u2019m not leaving.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My heart stuttered in my chest. Probably jumping with joy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kaia has given me life again and I want to live it to the fullest with her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
AD\u00a0<\/p>\n
63\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
Comment\u00a0<\/p>\n
Send gift\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 65 Chapter 65\u00a0 \u2013Kaia\u2013\u00a0 63\u00a0 55 vouchers\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t leave Theo\u2019s side.\u00a0 I […]<\/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-27310","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\/27310","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=27310"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27310\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27310"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27310"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27310"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}