All Chapters of Bounded Beyond The Abyss: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

The Power Specialist, a woman draped in silver robes with eyes that seemed to see straight through Elise, stood silently after the scan. A glimmer of concern crossed her face before she sighed and leaned back in her chair.“Elise,” she began, fingers steepled beneath her chin, “the reason your power keeps surging… is because your body is overflowing with energy. It's not unstable—it’s too strong.”Elise blinked. “Too strong?”The woman nodded slowly. “You’ve been using only fragments of your ability. Your instincts are good, yes—but your control is poor because the energy is bottling up inside you. It’s trying to find a release.”“I thought…” Elise’s voice faltered. “I thought my ability was simple. I touch something—or someone—and it explodes, or burns, or breaks. I thought that was all.”“It’s not,” the Power Specialist said gently. “Your ability is resonance-based. You don’t just destroy—you can amplify. If you train properly, your power can enhance another person’s strength… or ev

The explosion was deafening.Flames tore through the stone and steel of Vael’s mansion, throwing guards into walls and shattering reinforced barriers like paper. Smoke poured into the sky, black and unforgiving.In the aftermath, amidst the ruin, stood Vael — blood streaked down one side of his face, his coat tattered, his expression sharp with unspoken fury.Whoever did this… wasn’t just trying to make a statement.They were trying to kill him.And they failed.But for the first time in a long time, Vael had nowhere to go.Back at the Elysium Headquarters, Elise slammed her locker shut. Her leave had just been approved.“Three days,” she muttered under her breath.She didn’t plan to rest. Not really. She just needed time—space. And she knew exactly where to go.The place no one would ever look for Vael.Soren met her at the gate, his brow furrowed. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come?”“I’m sure.”“Elise—”“I need to do this alone.” Her voice was final. “Please.”He hesitated bef

The cool night air brushed against Elise's skin as she stood on the grand balcony of Vael's estate, gazing at the vast darkness that stretched beyond. The stars overhead twinkled, indifferent to the battles and bloodshed that shaped her life. She exhaled slowly, her breath visible in the crisp air.How strange.She had spent years believing this place-this man-was the center of her hatred. Yet now, standing here, wrapped in the quiet hum of the night, she felt something disturbingly close to peace.A warmth draped over her shoulders, breaking her thoughts."You'll catch a cold, kitten," Vael murmured, his deep voice tinged with amusement.Elise's fingers instinctively gripped the soft fabric-a shawl, likely his. She frowned slightly but didn't push it away. "You're awfully considerate for someone who enjoys tormenting me."Vael smirked, leaning against the railing beside her, arms crossed. "Considerate? No, sweetie. I just don't want you sneezing in my ear later."Elise let out a shar

The room was quiet except for the soft crackling of the fireplace and the steady rhythm of their breathing. Elise lay on her side, facing away from Vael, staring at the dim glow of candlelight dancing across the ceiling. She had willed herself to sleep, forced her body to relax, but her mind refused to obey.She was painfully aware of the man lying beside her."Can’t sleep, kitten?"Vael’s voice was low and smooth, laced with quiet amusement. Elise stiffened as she felt him shift closer, his heat pressing against her back."Not my problem," she muttered, keeping her voice steady despite the way her pulse quickened.Vael chuckled, the sound deep and indulgent. "Lying doesn’t suit you."She inhaled sharply when his fingers brushed against her shoulder, trailing down her arm in a slow, lazy motion. "Maybe I should entertain you, then?""Vael—" Elise started, but before she could finish, he moved.In an instant, he had turned her onto her back, hovering over her, his eyes burning with som

The tension in the air was suffocating. Elise could still feel the echo of Soren’s departure, the sting of his words lingering in her chest like an open wound. But before she could let herself process any of it, the silence was shattered.The doors burst open again.Soren stood there, his blue eyes ablaze with something Elise had never seen before—pure, unfiltered rage."I can’t let this go." His voice was like ice, controlled but seething. "I won’t."Vael turned to face him, his golden gaze flickering with irritation. "Didn’t we already have this conversation?" His fingers twitched, magic crackling just beneath his skin. "Leave, hunter, before you embarrass yourself."Soren’s fists clenched. "I should’ve killed you the moment I met you.""Many have tried," Vael said lazily, his smirk dangerous. "None of them lived to tell the tale."Elise’s stomach twisted. "Soren, don’t—"But it was too late.Soren lunged.Vael sidestepped easily, his movements fluid, almost effortless. He grabbed S