Novel & Cerita By Your Side By Kasie West

[NOT A MUST TO READ BUT IT HELPS IN UNDERSTANDING THE STORY!] "Okay, aunt Jules. Now we're alone. What do we do?" Aiden asked, immediately they got into a cab. Jules looked at the two kids beside her staring at her with wide expectant eyes and she chuckled.

Some laughed, while others pointed and whispered to each other. A few men took the chance to grope my exposed body. I tried to back away, but the collar yanked at my neck until I could barely breathe. The car window rolled down. Eula peeked out. Her voice was filled with mock concern. "Do you think this might be too much for Natalie?" "Silly girl." Scott chuckled. "She was so cruel to you, and you still feel bad for her?" He added. The car stopped at a red light. A ragged homeless man came toward me and started groping me without shame.

mine was there, of course it was. I moved to the side where everyone whose name had been called stood at. I turned to look at who was beside me, I found a girl staring back at me. She smiled when our eyes met, a lovely smile might I add. “We'll just have to do with what we have," she gestured to Mr. Zeke. I smiled back, faking an exaggerated sigh, “There's no choice" before she could reply to me, Mr. Zeke came towards us, his face was hard and set in strictness. He was clearly trying to show he wasn't to be messed with.

They could also get a map if they want. The rest except Salvador and Belle couldn't care less. "Allez." Paris yelled at the boys dragging over to the fire, a crate of beer. "Let's get this party started." As if on target, Jeff fished out a gigantic looking MP3 (MUSIC BOX.) "Had to bring this baby along." "Wooo...." Sandy cheered, Jeff blasting 'shivers' by Ed-sheeran on full volume. The corner of Luna's lips tilt up to a smile as the familiar lyrics filled her ear.

Her hand brushed against his on the railing — brief, unintentional, but enough to send warmth creeping up his arm. He didn’t move away. She didn’t either. When she finally spoke again, her voice was softer. “You’re not the only one who feels something’s coming.” Eastin’s gaze flicked to her, but she was already looking back toward the yard. He wondered, not for the first time, what the Moon Goddess was playing at — letting grief and affection weave together like this, cruel and kind all at once. He cleared his throat, the moment slipping through his fingers like smoke. “Keep an eye on the western border today. I don’t like how still it’s been.”

"You'll find plenty of people willing to help there." Kael bowed respectfully. "Thank you." The old man blinked in surprise. "What polite manners." As Kael walked away, he noticed the pendant beginning to glow again. This time... The light was brighter. He stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. "It's close." His heartbeat quickened. The Celestial Heart was somewhere nearby. He followed the growing warmth inside the pendant. It led him through several streets until he reached a quiet bookstore called Whispering Pages. The glow intensified. Kael looked up at the sign.

How can you promise forever when your life is filled with uncertainty, fleeting moments, and delicate hopes? “I’m here for you, no matter how long it takes,” I said softly, feeling a wave of emotion wash over me. He looked happy with that answer, a little smile playing on his lips. Later that night, after Luca had drifted off, I found myself sitting by the window, gazing out into the dark. The city lights twinkled like faraway stars, reminding me of the world that keeps moving beyond these walls.

‘I’m afraid it’s too late for confessions. ‘It’s never too late,’ Rachel assured her, unnerved by the conviction she heard in Linda’s voice. ‘It is for me.’ With his plate loaded with ribs, brisket and baked beans, Jackson took his plastic cup of draft beer and dodged his way through the crowd. A dozen picnic tables were packed with jeans-clad campaign contributors, as was the temporary dance floor. Laughter and the whirl of conversation deepened with the pulse of the music. The country and western band, with their harmonicas and violins and boot-stomping beat, had stirred the atmosphere into a Texas frenzy.

I muttered to him under my breath. “Well you know now” Caleb said, unapologetic. “I hate you,” I gritted out, flushing from the base of my neck to my ears. “You love me,” he corrected, winking. From the corner of my eye, I saw Ronan approaching. I straightened my back. And as if sensing my discomfort, Caleb tightened his arm around me. Ronan's eyes flicked from Caleb to me. “Something you want to tell me, beta Kairos?” His voice sounded, teasing?

My hands shook, my chest burned, but I didn’t stop. Because Damien was watching. Because stopping wasn’t an option. Finally, Mara cried out. “Okay—okay!” I froze. She was barely holding herself upright now, blood smeared across her face, breathing uneven. “They move through the east ridge,” she rasped. “Old logging roads. Twice a week. Midnight. There’s a contact—name’s Silas. He handles the transfers.” I stepped back, heart pounding. Damien approached her slowly, crouching until they were eye level. “Anything else?”