Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 844

I never imagined the boy who had shaped so much of my life would one day wear the robes of a Harmonist guide, dedicating himself to a life of reflection.

Jace had cut himself off from the chaos of the world. Whether it was peace or simply his way of escaping love and attachment, he'd left everything-and everyone-behind.

***

After returning from Cloudscape Monastery, I fell ill. A relentless fever knocked me out for two days, leaving me trapped in a swirl of disjointed dreams-my parents, Matthew, Lindey, Jace, Wayne... all of them.

In the dream, it felt like I was drowning. No matter how hard I tried to wake up, something kept pulling me deeper.

At some point, I thought I heard voices. Jace's. Hayden's. Were they real? They spoke in muffled tones I couldn't make out.

But when Jace left-if he was ever really there the dreams stopped.

***

When I finally opened my eyes, sunlight flooded the room, blindingly warm. I raised my hand to block it, but my fingers brushed against something.

Looking over, I saw Hayden slumped by the bed, his hand holding mine. His dark hair glinted gold in the sunlight, and for a moment, he looked almost unreal. "Hayden," I whispered.

stir. He used to wake at the smallest sound-he must've

I just watched him, the sunlight melting into

in it.

The second

awake?" he asked,

"Yes," I croaked.

you want some water?" he asked, kissing the back

under his eyes told me he hadn't slept

I nodded. "I'm thirsty."

Chapter 844

+25 BONUS

against him as he helped me take careful

thought struck me. Panic bubbled up. "The doctor didn't give me the wrong medication, right? Did you tell them

what medicine did they give me? What if it hurt the

eyes.

won't," he said, calm, though there was a faint twinkle of amusement in

that's not good enough. I need to talk to the

from the doorway. "Talk to the