Page 66 of Captured By Chaos


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“I remember this book.” Nolan said, changing the subject as he pulled the oldest book from my shelf, the spine well-worn, the pages tainted yellow from age and wear. “My fathers used to read it to me when I was growing up.”

“My mom used to read it to me as well,” I leaned back against my headboard, ignoring the voice trying to tell me I was getting too comfortable with Nolan being in my space. “I love the story about Lunestia and Firenielle.”

The brown leatherbound book had been passed down in my family for years, full of the stories from Ancient times, from the creation of Kazola to the day the first High Faction was created. The stories were our history; they told the truth of who we were to our core and how our peace came to be. It was the reason for the Onyx Guard, it was our ultimate drive.

Tsio a Chisain. Protect the Peace.

As a child, growing up with two Onyx Guard parents, I knew what my destiny was. These stories had filled me with joy and excitement as I counted down time until the day I could protect the way my family did. I wanted to be a part of that legacy for as long as I could remember.

This was who I was meant to be.

Nolan sat back down in the chair, his legs sprawled out in front of him as he leaned back. He flipped through the pages for a few seconds before smiling.“The truth of Kazola comes down to one word: love.”

“What are you doing?” I sat up a little, my cheeks numbing.

“I’m reading you a bedtime story,” he said, a wicked grin on his face, eyes brightening with that forest-green sunlight that made my heart leap.

“Um… why?” I threw my legs back down on the ground, attempting to stand, but he placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, keeping me seated.

“Looks like you could use something to relax you,” he said. “Maybe this will help.”

“I’m fine…re—really. You don’t need to...”

“I know I don’t need to. I want to.” His brow crinkled.“Is it really so hard to believe that people want to help you, Kasha? Is it so wrong of us?”

A part of me wanted to scream at him, to tell him it was none of his business. He didn’t have a right to question what I wanted, to act as though he could help the mess of emotions and thoughts that I battled every day of my life. But I didn’t say those things, because in truth, he wasn’t questioning what I wanted; he questioned why I resisted help, why I was convinced I had to do everything myself.

It all came from everything that had happened this past year. Yet, my heart and mind were starting to crack against the hardened walls I had erected around them for protection. They didn’t want to be smothered under the weight anymore, they wanted to feel again. They wanted to be free.

I couldn’t go back to being the person I once was, but maybe, just maybe, I could teach this new self how to move forward, how to let others in. Maybe not completely, but in small ways to start.

So, I chose to take a step I had been refusing for so long. It would be harder when it came to work or my health, but this was a first step. This one, I could take.

I leaned back, curling up against my pillows, lying on my side so I could face Nolan and watch him.

“Wonderful.” He leaned back in the chair, reopening the book.“The truth of Kazola comes down to one word: love. When Firenielle, the God of Blood & Truth, met his one true love, Lunestia, the Goddess of Moon & Hunt. Their bond was destined from the beginning of time, and when it finally came to pass, they chose to celebrate by creating life…”

I couldn’t remember at what part of the story it happened, but I drifted off into sleep, visions of Lunestia watching over me as I ran freely in my wolf form comforting me throughout the whole night.

Chapter Thirty-Two

As promised, Nolan was right beside me the next day, walking toward the front door of Eden and Greyson’s house.

“Are you sure it’s okay that I come?” Nolan whispered, leaning down a bit closer, my spine tingling at his nearness.

“You witnessed things last night.” I turned my neck to look up at him. “I knew bringing you there risked you finding out a few things, but I wasn’t expecting everything Mylo said. If she really doesn’t want you to know the truth, she’ll kick you out.”

“Fair enough.” He shrugged one shoulder.

With one final deep breath and a prayer to the Goddess, I rapped my knuckles a few times against the door. Footsteps approached, my heartbeat kicking up its pace with each one that drew closer. The door finally opened, revealing Greyson standing on the other side, a frown pulling at his lips, obsidian hair sticking up at odd angles and dark circles rimming his dark brown eyes.

“Good morning!” I said a little too cheerily, my voice pitched higher than normal.

Greyson narrowed his eyes at me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I sighed, trying to let out a bit of the tension crawling up my shoulders. “Is Eden here? We need to talk to her.”

“She’s not in the best mood, but sure.” Greyson opened the door wider, welcoming us in. “I warn you though, she doesn’t like either of you particularly right now.”

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