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Chapter 86

Penulis: Mary Anthony
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-05-05 18:16:25

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
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  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-05
  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-06
  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-06
  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-07
  • 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

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-05-07
  • The Forbidden Gaze   PROLOGUE

    The Law of the Panja :The night sky stretched endlessly over the barren land, a sea stars spread around Under it, the Panja war camp stood as a proof to survival, a sprawl of towering metal structures and makeshift tents that housed the fiercest warriors in the known galaxy. Fires burned low in their pits, their embers casting a ghostly glow over the hard-packed ground. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, blood, and something far more primal—the lingering traces of desire and power that pulsed through the camp like a living force.Here, amidst the war-hardened soldiers and their brutal traditions, an unspoken law governed all things.The Law of Strength. The Law of Survival. The Law of the Panja:For centuries, the Panja warriors had reigned supreme in battle. Their prowess was unparalleled, their combat skills honed to perfection. But their dominance was not solely the result of rigorous training or sheer force—it was something far more primal. Something written into the very

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-03
  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 1

    Ava POV “Ava! Get over here!”The sound of my name being called makes my stomach tighten with fear. My grip on the mop stiffens, causing the bucket beside me to wobble.I don’t get noticed much in this place, and when I do, it’s rarely a good thing. Did I already make a mistake?Quickly, I put down my cleaning supplies and rush toward the Mistress Elara. The camp is alive with movement today. Women hurry back and forth, carefully applying makeup and styling their hair in elaborate ways. They decorate their bodies with golden patterns, weave beads and flowers into their locks, and spritz themselves with the richest, most fragrant oils.I navigate through their towering, shimmering figures, trying not to draw attention to myself. But some still glare at me as I pass. I recognize the way their lips twist and their eyes squint in disapproval. I used to cry over their rejection, but now, I pretend not to care.“Yes, Mistress Elara?” I speak softly, keeping my gaze directed at the ground.

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-03
  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 2

    Ava POV No touching. No eye contact.The camp's rules replay over and over in my mind, but the problem is—I never got the full list. The Mistress Elara dismissed me before I could finish my "How to Stay Alive Around a Master" lesson.I really hope I have my mop nearby because I feel like I might pee myself from fear.My gaze breaks away from his piercing blue eyes, but my entire body remains frozen. My mouth moves before I can think."I'm so sorry. I didn’t expect you," I blurt, my voice thick with nervousness, making my already heavy accent worse."Stand," he orders. His voice is deep, gravelly—like it’s made of pure fire and stone, shaking my chest with every syllable.I scramble to my feet so fast that if he told me to launch myself back to Earth, I might actually try. My eyes stay locked on his pants—rugged, caked in mud, made from the hide of some beast only a warrior like him could take down. His boots look like they’ve walked across worlds, trampled over enemies, and carried h

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-03

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  • 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

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 84

    "What's the situation with the Council?" I asked, changing the subject.Zylan's expression turned grim. "It's not looking good, General. They're investigating your conduct, and there are rumors of... impropriety. If they're not careful, it could escalate into a full-blown scandal."I cursed under my breath, feeling a sense of frustration. I knew that the Council was looking for a way to bring me down, to strip me of my power and influence. And with Ava by my side, it seemed like they had the perfect ammunition.“They’ve been waiting for this,” I muttered, rubbing the bridge of my nose. “One misstep, and they pounce like vultures.”"You’ve always had enemies among them,” Zylan said carefully. “But this time… it’s different. They’re not just whispering behind closed doors. They’re gathering support.”"Because of Ava?" I asked, already knowing the answer.Zylan hesitated, then gave a slow nod. “Yes. They see her as a weakness, a liability. They think she’s distracting you. And worse… the

  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 83

    But it wasn't just about my feelings for Ava. Our social differences made it impossible for us to be together. There were consequences to consider. As General, I am a man of power and responsibility. I have a reputation to uphold, a position to maintain. And Ava... well, she is just a servant, a woman of humble birth. It was a forbidden love, one that could bring shame and trouble to both of us and I don't know how to navigate it."She deserves peace," I muttered under my breath, my fingers curling around the hilt of my sword. "Not the chaos that comes with being close to someone like me."I thought about seeking pleasure from another woman, trying to quench the desire that burned within me. But the thought felt hollow, and I knew I couldn't do it. My feelings for Ava ran too deep, and I couldn't just switch them off. Every time I considered it, I remembered Ava's voice, reading the story of Esther to me. Her words had struck a chord within me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that

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