Atonement A Novel Novels & Stories

“You always have been. From the moment the waves cast you ashore and he called you mine.” Adrianna flinched, but Reverence just smiled gently. “The moon is almost ready. You should get some rest. You’ll need your strength when the salt comes back.” With that, she slipped away, the door closing softly behind her, like a gentle sigh. Left alone in the dark, Adrianna gazed up at the ceiling. Something flickered just above the stone. A trick of light, or perhaps… something ancient. She didn’t cry. She didn’t pray.

This had once been the place where our love first took root, but time had passed, and so many things had faded that I could barely remember them anymore. Following June's final wishes, I found a grove of poplar trees and erected a nameless gravestone for her there. Back when we first arrived in the desert, I remembered June making a vow. She said she would one day cover this barren land with greenery and life. And this grove of poplars had been planted by our own hands. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but green. But I no longer had the heart to stay and admire the scenery.

I curled up on the floor, felt a rush of iron in my throat—and coughed up a mouthful of blood. That bright-eyed boy I used to be—the one who still had hope—faded into nothing. After that, I had nothing left to live for. Until just now, when this wretched, drifting life of mine finally ended. Matthew, your big brother is coming to join you. I've finally paid for my sin.

Lines of text scrolled across the screen messages from the elite church women. ‘Naomi really destroyed him in front of everyone. Bold girl.’ ‘How shameful for Stevenson’s son to chase after a pastor’s daughter, desperation runs in his blood.’ ‘His mother died birthing him, poor woman. And now he’s staining the family name.’ Camille’s chest rose and fell heavily as she read the words aloud then she turned her cold eyes on him. “How could you shame us like this?” she hissed. “After everything we’ve done for you, you dare to embarrass your father’s name in front of the whole church?”

Those years didn’t just heal my physical wounds; they also gave me the chance to travel to many famous scenic spots with Ben, as well as spend time learning business and management from Ash. I wasn’t the shy, insecure girl I once was. Even if I lost everything now, I knew I could fight my way back and make a place for myself in this world. Three years later, I returned to my home country. It was outside the airport that I ran into Steve. He wasn’t the confident, charming man he once was. Instead, he wore a faded suit and was trying to sell insurance to anyone who passed by. As it turned out, after everything came to light, Steve and Quinn were sentenced to three years in prison for defamatio

Under the gaze of every soul in that room, I walked, step by step, up to the altar to face him. I took the microphone from the priest's trembling hand. The cathedral fell dead silent. "Thank you all for coming," my voice rang out, clear and steady. "But this is not a wedding." Robin's face turned ugly. "Bella, what the hell are you doing?" "Today," I continued, ignoring his rising panic, "is a long-overdue trial for my father, Don Alessandro Moretti." The color drained from Robin's face. "Isabella!" he hissed.

his hold on her tightened as he held her for a while before pulling away. Then her gaze moved to Shane, who was already crying. "How is my little soldier?" Athena asked as Shane ran into her arms, hugging her tightly as he cried. "It’s okay, Shane, I'm okay now," she reassured him, rubbing a comforting hand down his back as she tried to console him. Austin stood in front of the door, his eyes red as he stared at Athena. He could still see the images of her bloody body in his arms. He couldn't hold back his tears as they fell down his cheeks.

I once again struggled to br free off the ropes, but it almost appeared as they were not working. "Now listen to me Anabelle. I am not hear to listen to your rants about how I have been heartless." She opened her palm and a jar was placed on it. "In this Jar, your soul would enter and in this Jar, you would become the atonement of the sins of my coven." I didn't like the superstitious act, and despite trying to break free off the ropes, I felt a burning senation at my back.