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Chapter 40
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-04-12 21:32:56
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The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 41
Ava's POV As I worked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I was a part of something big, something important. And I was determined to make it a success.The next two days passed in a blur of activity. I worked tirelessly, ensuring that the general's quarters were spotless and his ceremonial attire was perfect. I helped the cooks in the kitchen, preparing delicious dishes for the feast. The air was thick with the scent of roasting meats, spices, and freshly baked bread. There were so many people bustling around, moving from one task to the next, each with a specific role to play. It was almost like a well-oiled machine, each part working together to create something grand.As I folded the fine linen that would be part of the general’s ceremonial attire, I overheard one of the other servants, Mila, talking excitedly about the festival."I hear the warriors will be performing the ancient dances again," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "It’s always such a sight to see.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-12The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 42
The crowd gasped in shock, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Rylan couldn't be serious, could he?I looked around frantically, searching for someone, anyone, to help me. But Mistress Elara's face was stern and unyielding, and Zylan's eyes were wide with shock. Even Elsie looked like she'd been turned to stone.I was on my own.General Kaelen's face was a picture of shock and anger, but he seemed rooted to the spot, unable to move or speak. I knew that he couldn't object to Rylan's choice, not without going against the traditions of the Panja.Rylan's grin grew wider as he approached me, his eyes gleaming with triumph. I felt a wave of fear wash over me, but I knew I couldn't give in. I had to find a way to escape, to get out of this nightmare.As Rylan reached out to take my hand, I summoned up every last ounce of courage I possessed. I stood tall, my eyes locked on Rylan's, and I spoke the words that would change everything. "I refuse
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-13The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 43
"Ava, Come out now. I need to speak with you," she said, her voice loud and angry.I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. I knew was in for it. What did Mistress Elara want to talk to me about?I followed her out of my tent, my heart pounding in my chest. We walked in silence, the only sound being the soft rustling of our clothes.As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Something was brewing, and I wasn't sure what it was.We eventually arrived at Mistress Elara's quarters, and she ushered me inside. The room was dimly lit, with only a few candles flickering to light the space.Mistress Elara closed the door behind us, and then turned to face me. Her expression was serious, and I could sense a sense of gravity emanating from her."Ava, what exactly do you think you're doing?" she asked, her voice at a very high pitch. "You had better answer me now, before I let hell on you." She screamed at the top of her voice."Nothing ma." I said "Nothing? What was the meaning
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-13The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 44
General Kaelen's POV I sat in my tent, lost in thought, replaying the events that had transpired earlier in the day. The memory of Ava's bold refusal of Rylan's claim still lingered in my mind, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that things had turned out the way they had.Why had she refused Rylan's claim, though? It was a question that had been plaguing me since the incident. Initially, I had thought that maybe I wasn't her type, but seeing her stand up to Rylan in front of everyone had made me doubt that theory.The words she had uttered still rang in my ears: "I will not be claimed by anyone. I am not a prize to be won." There was something about her defiance that had caught my attention, something that made me want to know more about her."Why would she say that?" I muttered to myself, rubbing my temples. "No fear, no hesitation… just fire."The flap of my tent rustled slightly as the breeze whispered through, but I barely noticed. Her voice—calm, sharp, unwavering—e
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 45
General Kaelen's POV I nodded, my interest piqued. "What is it, Zylan?" I asked, my eyes locked on his.Zylan hesitated for a moment before speaking. "General, I think you should know that Mistress Elara has taken a particular interest in Ava. She's been making demands, and Ava has been refusing to comply."My eyes narrowed, my mind racing with possibilities. What was Mistress Elara's game? And why was Ava refusing to comply?"Tell me more," I said, my voice firm.Zylan nodded, launching into a detailed account of the events that had transpired between Mistress Elara and Ava. As he spoke, my anger grew, and I knew that I had to take action.Ava was a unique individual, one who didn't seem to be intimidated by the rules and expectations of our society. And I found myself drawn to her because of it.As I listened to Zylan's report, I couldn't help but think about the way Ava had refused Rylan's claim. It was a bold move, one that showed she was not afraid to stand up for herself.And t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 46
General Kaelen's POV As Zylan left the tent, I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility towards Ava. She was different from the others, and I wanted to know more about her.“What is it about her?” I muttered under my breath, staring at the fabric of the tent that still fluttered from his exit.She wasn’t just another face among the servants. She carried herself differently—like she didn’t belong in a place like this. There was something in her eyes. Fire. Stubbornness. Pride.“What kind of woman dares to look Rylan in the eye and say no?” I chuckled softly to myself, shaking my head in disbelief.I leaned back, resting my arms behind me as my mind wandered deeper into the memory of earlier today.“She didn’t even flinch,” I whispered, the corners of my lips twitching upward. “No fear. No hesitation. Just that sharp tongue and fierce gaze.”“She sure has some guts,” I said louder this time, as if speaking it out would help me make sense of the whirlwind inside me.Any other en
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-14The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 47
General Kaelen’s POVI stepped out of my tent, the warm sun beating down on my skin as I made my way through the camp. The air was filled with the sounds of warriors and servants going about their daily business, but my focus was solely on finding Ava's hiding place. I had been thinking about her nonstop since our encounter earlier, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye.As I walked, I noticed that many eyes were on me, some showing their respect with a nod or a bow, while others tried to hide their gazes behind masks of indifference. I was used to being the center of attention, but today it felt different. Today, I felt like I was being watched for reasons beyond my position as General.I navigated through the camp, asking discreet questions and gathering information about Ava's whereabouts. Some of the servants and warriors seemed hesitant to talk, while others provided me with cryptic clues that only led to more questions.After what felt like
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-15The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 48
Kaelen's POV For a moment, we just stared at each other, the only sound the soft rustling of the fabric in the breeze. I felt like I was frozen in time, unable to move or speak. It was Ava who broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "What are you doing here, General?" she asked, dropping a small book that she was reading before I interrupted.I took a step forward, my eyes never leaving hers. "I wanted to see you," I replied, my voice low and husky.Ava's expression didn't change, but I could sense a flicker of emotion behind her eyes. "May I ask why, General?" she asked, her voice still barely above a whisper.I took another step forward, my heart pounding in my chest. "Because I'm intrigued by you, Ava," I said, my voice filled with conviction. "You're different from the others, and I want to know more about you."Ava's gaze never wavered, but I could sense a hint of curiosity behind her eyes. "What do you want to know?" she asked, her voice still soft, but with
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-15
Bab terbaru
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 93: Victory’s Price
"One more thing," Kaelen said, his voice low but firm, eyes fixed on the distant horizon. "Go back to the pack and bring Ava with you on your next visit. Let me see her. I’m… wanting to see her."Zylan arched a brow but said nothing at first. Then, with a light nod and a subtle smile, he replied, “So the mighty General finally admits he’s human.”Kaelen turned his head slightly, giving him a look. “Don’t start with your teasing. Just bring her.”Zylan chuckled, already turning on his heel. “I’m going. But I’ll make sure she comes willingly, not dragged.”Kaelen’s voice followed him as he walked away. “She’ll come.”Zylan paused, looked back over his shoulder with a grin. “She always does.”The valley was quiet—too quiet for someone used to the rhythm of command. That’s precisely why Kaelen had chosen it. He stood at the edge of a small ridge, the vast expanse of green stretching far below, framed by the gentle curves of the hills and the slow glimmer of the stream winding through the
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 92: The Breaking Point
Kaelen’s POVThe tea was warm on my tongue, bitter with herbs I couldn't name—but Zylan’s steady gaze kept me grounded. I didn’t pull away when he guided the flask back to my lips, nor when he pressed a cloth to the split skin on my knuckles. The silence between us wasn’t heavy this time. It was patient. Watchful. Safe.“You’re going to have to let me take over for a while,” Zylan said, not as a suggestion. He knelt beside me, close enough for his voice to be soft, but not smothering. “Until you can stand without shaking.”“I’m fine,” I started.“Don’t lie to me, Kaelen.” His tone didn’t rise, but it struck harder than a blade. “You’re not. And you haven’t been for days.”I looked away, jaw clenched. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”“I do.” Zylan stood, brushing dust from his knees. “You’re burning out. Your body’s cannibalizing itself because you’ve pushed past every warning sign.”I hated how much truth there was in that. I’d ignored the hunger, the fatigue, the dizziness—becaus
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 91
“The soldiers. Quiet. Restless. More fights breaking out. One even collapsed during a sparring match, said his limbs just gave out.”Kaelen sat up straighter despite the ache in his spine. “So it’s not just me.”“No. But it’s stronger in you. Which makes me think this isn’t just sickness. Something’s targeting you.”He didn’t flinch. “You think it’s Ava?”The name cut through the air like steel.I watched him closely. “I think… whatever tether you formed with her, it’s still active. Even at a distance.”“However, I think it’s the accusations laid on you that affect you the most. And you have to be strong and go after what you want. If you love Ava, fight for it—irrespective of the culture of our land.”He went still.I leaned forward, voice low. “Kaelen… when did this start?”His lips parted, but no words came. Then he closed his eyes. “A few days after she stopped showing up in the kitchens. After that last night. The one I thought was our—”He stopped himself. Looked away.“She’s co
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 90: The Breach Between Us
Zylan’s POVThe moment I saw Kaelen slump against that boulder like a wounded animal, something inside me snapped.He looked wrong. His proud posture was gone, traded for a haunted tilt of the shoulders. Shadows lined his eyes like bruises, his once-imposing presence dulled under the weight of something he wouldn’t name.I’d seen warriors broken by loss, by betrayal, by hunger—but Kaelen? He was breaking from the inside out.“I didn’t want to burden anyone,” he’d muttered, and damn it, that cut deeper than any blade.“You’re not a burden,” I said again, this time more to convince him than myself.He didn’t answer. Just stared at the dirt like it held the answers he was too afraid to ask for.______________I handed him the flask. “It’s laced with herbs to ease your stomach. Sip slowly.”He did. His hand trembled around the metal. I made a mental note of it but said nothing. Not yet.A breeze swept through the clearing, and the firelight flickered across his cheekbones—too sharp, too s
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 89
Ava POV When I finished, he nodded thoughtfully. "I see," he said. "It seems like the General is not the only one being persecuted around here."I felt a surge of gratitude toward him. Finally, someone who understood me. "What brings you here, Master?" I asked, trying to change the subject.Zylan smiled wryly. "I'm here to check on you and to ask you a favor, actually.""A favor?" I tilted my head. "What's the matter? Is the General okay?" My voice trembled slightly, the fear too quick to rise.Zylan's eyes softened as he shook his head, the corners of his mouth drawn down. "No, I must say. He's been... indisposed lately."My eyes widened in concern. "What do you mean by 'indisposed'? Has he been injured? Is he sick?""It's hard to explain," Zylan replied, running a hand through his hair. "At first, we thought it was fatigue. The General rarely rests, as you know. But now… his condition is more troubling than that."I took a hesitant step closer. "Troubling how? Has he spoken to anyo
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 88
Ava's POV I stood frozen, mop in hand, as Mistress Elara approached me. Her eyes seemed to bore into my very soul, and I could sense a palpable tension in the air. "I see Sora took you in," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "What exactly is your agenda, servant?" I felt a surge of confusion and defensiveness. What was she talking about? I was just doing my job, trying to survive in this chaotic world. "I...I don't know what you mean, Mistress," I stammered.Mistress Elara's expression turned even darker, and she took a step closer to me. I could feel her anger radiating toward me, and I instinctively took a step back. "You think you're so clever, don't you?" she spat. "But I see right through you. You're just a troublemaker, and I won't have you causing problems here."“I’m not trying to cause anything,” I whispered, gripping the mop tighter. “I clean, I follow orders—I haven’t done anything wrong.”"Exactly," she hissed. "You pretend to be meek. But I know your type. Al
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 87
As we sat together, Zylan asked me questions about my symptoms, listening intently as I described my fatigue, lack of appetite, and general malaise. I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I talked, knowing that Zylan was listening and trying to help.“How long has this been going on?” Zylan asked softly, his brows furrowed in concern.I sighed, running a shaky hand through my hair. “A while. Weeks, maybe. It started small—skipping meals, sleepless nights. I thought it would pass. I thought I could handle it.”He reached out, gently placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve been carrying too much, Kaelen. You don’t have to do everything alone.”A bitter laugh escaped me. “I’m the General, Zylan. If I don’t hold it together, who will?”“You don’t have to break just to prove you’re strong,” he said quietly. “Strength isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up. And right now, getting help doesn’t make you weak.”I stared at him for a long moment before nodding. “You sound like on
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 86
Zylan's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a deep concern."General, let me help you," he said, his voice soft. "Whatever is going on, we'll figure it out together."I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, I wasn't alone in this after all. Maybe Zylan could help me find a way out of this darkness.With a newfound sense of hope, I nodded, my eyes meeting Zylan's."Thank you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what's wrong with me."Zylan's expression was gentle."We'll find out," he said. "Together."Zylan's words were a balm to my frazzled nerves. I felt a sense of gratitude towards my friend, who had always been there for me in times of need. As Zylan approached me, I noticed that he was carrying a small satchel."I brought some food and medicine," Zylan said, his eyes scanning my gaunt face. "Let's get you fed and rested, and then we'll figure out what's going on."I nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. I knew that I couldn't keep goin
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 85
General Kaelen's POVI stood atop the mountain, my eyes fixed on the horizon as the sun began to set. I had been training alone for what felt like an eternity, pushing myself to my limits every day. The isolation was suffocating at times, but I welcomed it. It was a reminder that I was still alive, still fighting.As I trained, I couldn't help but think of Zylan. My friend and confidant had been visiting me regularly, engaging in combat sessions that helped keep my skills sharp. But for the past few days, Zylan hadn't shown up. I was not sure what to make of it. Was Zylan busy with other matters, or was something wrong?I hurled my wooden spear at the tree trunk and watched it strike with a dull thud."Where the hell are you, Zylan?" I muttered under my breath, picking up another spear."Maybe he's just giving you space. You’ve been snapping at him a lot lately."I exhaled sharply and wiped the sweat from my brow. “That’s no excuse. He would’ve told me. He always tells me.”I lunged f
