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.

a beat. Not feeling well? What's wrong

supported her as they made their way

knocked on the door, but there

awake?" Keira called

out, using

the room

her, his expression unreadable. Keira felt a wave

hand firm on her arm. Wait here.

Chapter 899

He stepped inside.

+25 BONUS

He stared at her, his lips pressed tightly

and into the room.

meditation room,

robe, a scripture placed neatly beside him. In one

when he would fall

desperate hope that he was just taking

duties for a moment of

to summon the courage to move. Finally, she reached out with trembling hands and took

there is no true birth or death in this world. My departure is merely

of taking responsibility for myself and

of one's sins. I have borne this pain as

now I choose to let go-not because I cannot endure the pain any 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. For