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259 - Better Than Nothing

Penulis: Sakiah Zee
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-20 09:41:34

GILDEON

“I can’t believe you’ve had a hidden torture chamber all this time,” he said as he glanced around the cavern. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

They were deep inside the cave, half a mile from Roselia’s farmstead. Jagged stalactites hung from the ceiling like teeth, decorated with vines he was sure Roselia had placed there. Cold water dripped from above, the sound echoing off the stone like a slow heartbeat. A few stalagmites rose from the ground to mirror them, spaced wide enough to walk through. These were wrapped in flowers he could only presume were poisonous.

The chamber was large enough to hold at least a middling beast. Runes etched into the walls pulsed with strong yellow light. They served both as illumination and as a binding force to keep a prisoner contained.

“Well, you never asked,” Roselia said beside him. When his glare cut toward her, she stifled a laugh behind her hand. “My Lord, I may be bound to serve you, but that does

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  • MAD END'S DECEPTION   292 - The Truth Would Come Out

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  • MAD END'S DECEPTION   291 - Who Are You, Really?

    ARAHShe drove to the other side of the island—somewhere no one would recognize her. But more than anything, it was to make sure Gildeon wouldn’t find her too quickly if he decided to follow. Her phone rang a few times before she powered it off completely.Arah ended up at a quieter beach. A few locals lounged under trees, chatting. Children splashed in the shallows, their laughter distant but warm. The sand wasn’t as white as the sand from the tourist spots, but it was just as soft beneath her hands. She sat down and stared out at the horizon.The sky was beginning to change. Muted shades of copper and bruised violet stretched across the clouds. The hue felt heavy, like the weight pressing down on her chest.The wind was still reacting to her restraint anger, tugging at her hair in restless gusts. But here, it blended into the stronger afternoon breeze—easier to lose, harder to trace.She took a long breath and closed her eyes, bi

  • MAD END'S DECEPTION   290 - Are You Using Me?

    ARAHShe padded toward the edge of the porch, her footsteps feather-light on the wooden planks as she strained to listen.“I can’t bear staying under the same roof as the enemy anymore,” Yadira said, her words stinging Arah’s chest. “The sooner the Captain gets his Awakening, the better.”Her breath caught. Awakening? Gildeon had never mentioned anything about that. What did it even mean? Was it like accessing the Dark Plane?“These things take time, Yadira,” Eitan replied.“How long?” the female lieutenant snapped. “Why isn’t it working yet? Captain said he’s already coupled with the sylph several times.”A flush crept up Arah’s neck. The word ‘coupled’ may have sounded clinical in Earthland, but the implication landed clearly. But why would Gildeon share stuff about their sex life with his comrades?“Even Capt

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    ARAHShe wanted to run after Mabel and explain herself, but Cora grabbed her arm, shaking her head.“Give her time,” she said. “What you told her isn’t something she’s going to believe right away. Besides, you just admitted to making her a widow on her wedding night.”Arah sighed, clutching her collarbone as she watched Mabel storm off through the window.“Gotta give it to you,” Cora said. “I didn’t think you’d actually say it to her.”Arah sank into the couch. “I didn’t want to lie. And honestly, I wanted to see how she’d react. I needed that.”Cora sat beside her. “You’re planning to alter her memories, aren’t you?”Hearing it out loud made her stomach twist. She looked down and gave a small nod, shame creeping in. She had hurt their friend, knowing full well she could just erase it afterward.Cora exhaled deeply and leaned back into the couch. “It’s a shitty thing to do, I’ll tell you that,” she said. “I sti

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  • MAD END'S DECEPTION   287 - Those Who Break Earthland's Laws

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