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.

skipped a beat. Not feeling well?

her as they made their

door, but there

you awake?" Keira called out, her voice trembling

called out, using his monastic

the room

unreadable. Keira felt a wave of

stopped her, his hand firm on her arm. Wait here. Let

Chapter 899

He stepped inside.

+25 BONUS

a way Keira had never seen before. He stared at her, his lips pressed

and into the room.

the stillness of the meditation room, Keira

placed neatly beside him. In one hand, he held a piece of

their school days, when he would

to the desperate hope that he was just taking a nap,

for a

out with trembling hands and took the paper from his grasp. The words written on

birth or death in this world. My departure is merely an early return to be with all

way is my way of taking responsibility for myself and

and pain are the consequences of one's sins. I have borne this

longer, but because I do not want those who love me to be burdened with keeping me alive through the cold steel of surgical tools or the chill of intravenous medicines.