Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 899

Hayden's dedication to the courtyard was no less than hers.

On any other day, Keira would have been thrilled to follow his lead and share in the excitement. But today, she couldn't muster any enthusiasm. Her attention was fixed entirely on the temple gates.

Even as the sun rose higher into the sky, the gates remained shut, and the unease in her heart grew heavier.

When Abbot Levinsky was still here, he opened the gates every morning without fail. After Jace arrived, he took over the task and once told her that opening the temple gates each day was like opening the door to one's heart. But today... why hadn't he come?

Was he unwell?

The thought sent a ripple of panic through her. Unable to wait any longer, Keira stepped forward and knocked on the door. After what felt like an eternity, someone finally

answered-a lay disciple living at the monastery.

"Apologies," he said with a slight bow. "Master Gregory might have overslept today."

Gregory. That was Jace's monastic name.

Hayden and Keira both bowed their thanks and entered the monastery.

"Does he oversleep often?" Keira asked the disciple as we walked.

"Not in the past, but recently Master Gregory hasn't been feeling well, so he occasionally rises late," the disciple replied.

beat. Not feeling

pace quickened. Hayden supported her

door, but there

Keira called out, her voice trembling

out, using

room

wave of dread wash over her and instinctively pushed the

hand firm on her arm. Wait here. Let me go in

Chapter 899

He stepped inside.

+25 BONUS

seen before. He stared at her, his lips pressed tightly together, saying

and into the room.

meditation room, Keira saw

robe, a scripture placed neatly beside him. In one hand, he held

he would fall asleep in bed with a book or test paper in his

the desperate hope

for a

took her a long time to summon the courage to move. Finally, she reached out with trembling hands and took the paper from his grasp. The words written on it pierced through her

is a cycle, so there is no true birth or death in this world. My departure is merely an early return

my way of taking responsibility for myself and freeing my

says that illness and pain are the consequences of one's sins. I have

love me to be burdened with keeping me alive through the cold steel