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 well?

quickened. Hayden supported her as they made their way

knocked on the door, but there

you awake?" Keira called out, her

out, using his monastic name: "Master

the room

felt a wave of dread wash over her and instinctively pushed

firm on her arm.

Chapter 899

He stepped inside.

+25 BONUS

way Keira had never seen before. He stared at her, his lips pressed tightly together, saying

and into the room.

of the meditation room, Keira saw Jace lying peacefully

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

scene reminded her so much of their school days, when he would fall asleep in bed with a book or test

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

duties for a moment of

she reached out with trembling hands and took the paper from his grasp. The words written on it pierced through her

cycle, so there is no true birth or death in this world. My

is my way of taking responsibility for

I have borne this pain as long as I could, knowing it was mine to

to be burdened with keeping me alive through the cold steel of surgical tools or the chill of intravenous medicines. For me, that would be a