Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 31 - Chapitre 40

Kaplan made his way to his room, a lingering ache for Jaiyana’s comforting touch pressing against him. He sank onto the bed, absently tracing the contours of the tiger pendant that rested against his chest, its smooth wood grounding him in the present even as his mind raced.The conversation with Dr. Kaelan replayed in fragments, each word growing sharper in his memory as he allowed himself to focus. Tiger Warrior. Prophecy. Each syllable seemed to echo in the quiet room, weaving threads of destiny and responsibility through his thoughts.He stared at the ceiling, trying to organize the torrent of revelations, the weight of what they might mean pressing on his chest. Questions tumbled unbidden: Could it really be true? Was he truly the Tiger Warrior? And if so… what did it demand of him?That morning had begun with Dr. Kaelan sitting beside him in the van, checking in.“How are you holding up after the museum, Kap?” Kaelan asked, his eyes sincere with concern.“I’m… not sure what happ

Kaplan was grateful for the distractions of good food and easy laughter. The clatter of dishes and the low hum of conversation wrapped around him like a shield, keeping darker thoughts at bay. Jaiyana stayed close, her fingers brushing his hand now and again, her shoulder leaning lightly against his. The warmth of her presence steadied him, her scent—spiced chai folded with a whisper of oud—drawing him deeper into the fragile illusion that everything was fine, that the day’s revelations were already fading.But Shan wouldn’t let him forget. Each time Jaiyana’s fingers brushed his hand, the tiger stirred in the back of his mind, a low, vibrating purr that seemed to echo the rhythm of his own quickening pulse. Kaplan’s body reacted before his mind could catch up; he ached to be alone with her, to feel her warmth pressed against him, to taste her lips. Every touch sparked flames that threatened to consume his careful restraint. And yet, even as desire coursed through him, Shan lingered a

“First, we center ourselves through mindfulness. We must quiet our minds in order to hear our inner beast and allow it the space to guide us,” Tharion said quietly, his voice calm, authoritative—like a Nordic guru imparting wisdom to his young disciple.“Close your eyes. Focus on your breath. Breathe in slowly, counting to four. Hold your breath for a count of four. Exhale through your mouth for a count of four.”Kaplan felt the tension drain from his muscles, his posture loosening as his focus sharpened on the rhythm of his breath.“Good. Now I want you to feel the grass beneath you, the weight of your body pressing against it. Notice how your clothes barely brush your skin. Breathe,” Tharion whispered.Kaplan’s mind, which had been spinning with questions and anticipation, began to still. The earthy scent of the courtyard filled his senses, the cool breeze brushing against his face, the soft dampness of grass grounding him.“Now,” Tharion continued, “listen deep inside, to the core

Kaplan padded quietly through the darkened hallways of the guesthouse; each step muted against the worn tile floors. The courtyard had long since fallen silent, and the distant hum of the city was barely audible through the thick walls. His stomach growled again, reminding him of the dinner he had missed—Jaiyana’s voice, the clatter of dishes, the warmth of company—all gone.The kitchen door creaked faintly as he pushed it open. Dim light spilled in from a single bulb swinging overhead, casting long shadows across counters cluttered with utensils and trays. The scent of spices lingered in the air, a faint trace of what had been cooked hours ago.He rummaged through the cupboards, finding a few leftover flatbreads wrapped in foil, a small bowl of lentils still warm from the day’s cooking, and a plate of chicken covered with a thin layer of cling film. His hands shook slightly, a mix of hunger and lingering adrenaline from the day’s training.Kaplan tore off a piece of bread and tore i

That morning, a soft knock came at her door.“Jaiyana, are you ready?” Kaplan’s voice carried a hint of eagerness.“Just a minute!” she called back, adding the last touches to her appearance.She smoothed the embroidered hem of her hot pink tunic, the vibrant color warming her skin in the morning light. Letting her hair down, she braided two strands and pinned them into a crown with a jeweled clip. A sweep of blush, a glimmer of eyeliner, and a light brush of lipgloss brought out the sparkle in her golden eyes.She slipped into flowing white cotton pants and her favorite sandals, the charms of her ankle bracelet tinkling softly as she moved. For the first time since the journey began, she adorned herself with jewelry—a diamond stud catching the sun at her nose, bracelets ringing her wrist, a toe ring glinting playfully. It wasn’t vanity. It was hope.Lifting a sand-colored scarf, she draped it across her shoulders, ready for the sun or for modesty if their day called for it. She caugh