Lahat ng Kabanata ng Will Bear the Moon: Kabanata 71 - Kabanata 80

*Nicoli* “This should be it.” Nicoli stopped at the door. He put down the lamp with more care this time, mindful of Ana. She's so funny about these things, Nicoli mused. It was just a lantern, but it upset Ana, so he would be careful. “There's no knob?” Ana spoke out to see Nicoli nod. “It's over there.” Nicoli pointed nonchalantly to where he left it. Nicoli didn't know how old the hallways were, but it was old. It was older than him. And knobs falling off doors happened. So he wasn't too surprised when the knob broke. He just pushed it to the side like the others. “Is it broken?” Ana started again before furrowing her brows. “Then, how will we get in?” “Like this.” Nicoli didn't miss a beat as he went for the door. He pushed to give a low creak. As it opened, both could feel a heat wave flood in. It felt delicious in the cold hall. But there was something even better. What luck! Nicoli could recognize the smell. Something was baking in the oven. And it was heavy and sweet.

*Ana* Despite Nicoli’s best efforts to stay ahead, and he does try, weaving in and around corners and hallways, it’s no use. Maddie eventually corners us and drags me away. We return to my room, where Maddie gets to work getting me ready. “I won’t have enough time to restyle your hair,” Maddie grumbles as she tries to tuck the loose strands back into my braid. “If you stayed put-” Maddie stops. “How did you get past me?” “I- I just did,” I say, trying to avoid her eyes. It’s a lie, and I can’t help but feel guilty. It feels wrong to lie to Maddie, but I shouldn’t tell her about the hallway. Nicoli won’t be able to use it if I do. I can’t help but find that worse. I don’t want him not to come. I had fun today because of him—sneaking through the halls, eating in the kitchen, and then trying to run away! It was the most fun I have had since I don’t know when. I don’t want to be the reason it stops. My eyes dart to the tapestry to see nothing amiss. But just looking at it makes me thi

*Belinda* “Wife?” Belinda could feel Alexander looking at her without turning. And no doubt he was making a face that matched his sweet but measured tone. “What did you do?” Belinda only smiled at him. She wasn’t about to reveal anything and wanted to enjoy the moment. Her heart bounced in excitement as Belinda looked around the room at all watching. No one had any idea what she was about to do. Well, almost no one, Belinda noted, spying on the teen. Aside from Julia, Mykhol was the only one to watch on as if waiting. His eyes seemed to shine just as brightly as hers. “To honor our King’s wish for Dawny and Nochten to coincide in peace," Queen Belinda paused to make a bashful laugh on cue. Immediately, the room gave an equal reaction. They were pulled into her act like always. They were eating in the palm of her hand. Belinda moistened her lips before continuing. "I want to present a token of goodwill.” And with that, she motioned to Julia. Julia stepped forward and wordlessly p

Chapter 78 Silent Mourning *Ana* What a strange dream! I flutter my eyes. Surprisingly, I feel well-rested. I needed more sleep than I realized. “I thought Nicoli came in here.” I start with a look to my side. Of course, it is empty, not that I was expecting him to be here still. It’s just my wishful thinking that someone would still be sleeping there. Of course not. I laugh at my only silliness. It’s just a dream. Why would he come to my room? The idea was too far-fetched, even for me. I want to see him, that is all. I dismiss with an easy smile, even in my dreams. “It was a nice dream, though.” I shift to the side of my pillow to see my silver hair stretch out. I touch it absently. It’s smooth but cold, like the room. I drop my hand to stare at it. Sometimes, it doesn’t feel like it's a part of me. It feels odd how something like that comes from me as my own. The color is just so strange. My hair seems to cause more harm than good. It brings pain and isolation. I shift my he

*Ana* Who is screaming? I vaguely recognize it. Someone was screaming. The voice was high and shook. It sounded horrified and unhinged. Make it stop. The screaming is too loud. It hurts my ears. Why won’t anyone make her stop screaming? I cover my ears, but it does nothing. It still sounds so loud. My hands can barely block the sound. It’s muffled, but like I put my head underwater. "Ana-" The scream suddenly stops when a hand wraps over my mouth. I feel their other hand circle my waist and pull me in. The arm tightens, and I shudder. I looked up and found it was Mykhol. He’s looking down at me. “Cousin,” My voice is soft and almost lost as a broken whimper shakes my chest. My legs lose form, and I lean against him as my eyes turn back. “No, don’t look,” Mykhol tries to cover my eyes now, but moving from my mouth just gives me the chance to scream again. “Ah!” I scream. I scream from the very bottom of my stomach as tears flow down my cheeks. I don’t need to see it because t