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.

heart skipped a beat. Not

pace quickened. Hayden supported her as they made

the door, but

awake?" Keira called out, her voice trembling

called out, using his

room

Keira felt a wave of dread wash over her

her arm. Wait here. Let

Chapter 899

He stepped inside.

+25 BONUS

returned, his face pale and strained in a way Keira had never seen before. He stared at her, his lips pressed tightly together, saying nothing. Keira

and into the room.

stillness of the meditation room, Keira

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

school days, when he would fall asleep in bed with

frozen, clinging to the desperate hope that

duties for a moment of

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

this world. My departure

is my way of taking responsibility for myself and

the consequences of one's sins. I have borne this pain as long as I could, knowing it was mine

want those who love me to be burdened with keeping me alive through the cold steel of