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Chapter 16
Huling Na-update:
2025-04-02 20:22:15
Kaugnay na kabanata
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 17
As I spoke, Master Zayne's expression turned serious, his eyes clouding over with concern. "I see," he said, his voice low and thoughtful. "It seems like you're in a bit of a bind, Ava."I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. It was nice to have someone to talk to, someone who seemed to understand the complexities of the situation.Master Zayne's eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my veins. "Don't worry, Ava," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "I'll do my best to help you navigate this mess."I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. "Thank you, Master Zayne," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Master Zayne's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Anytime, Ava," he said. "Now, let's get you back on your feet."As he helped me up, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the unexpected turn of events. Who would have thought that Master Zayne, the infamous warrior, would turn out to be my unlikely ally?As we wal
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-03The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 18
I felt a surge of gratitude towards him. No one had ever shown me such kindness and concern before. "I'm fine, Master Zayne," I said, trying to sound brave. "Just a little... overwhelmed."Master Zayne nodded, his eyes locked onto mine. "I know how you feel," he said. "But I want you to know that you're not alone. I'm here for you, Ava."I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked at Master Zayne. I had thought the Panja warriors had no emotions in them. This is my first. It was as if he understood me in a way that no one else did."Thank you, Master Zayne," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Master Zayne smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime, Ava," he said. "Now, let's get out of here. I think you've had enough of this place for one day."I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I closed my book and stood up, brushing off my tattered gown. As I walked with Master Zayne, I felt a sense of freedom that I hadn't felt in a long time. It was as if I had finall
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-03The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 19
As Zayne continued to talk to Ava, he couldn't shake off the feeling that Rylan's interest in her was more than just casual. He had known Rylan for years, and he knew that the man was ambitious, always looking for ways to advance his own career. But Zayne also knew that Rylan's ambition was not always pure. He had seen Rylan do some questionable things in the past, things that had made Zayne wonder if Rylan's loyalty to the Panja was genuine.As he watched Ava, Zayne realized that he needed to keep a closer eye on her. Not just because of Rylan's interest, but also because of the general's request. Something was not right, and Zayne was determined to find out what it was."Ava, I need to ask you something," Zayne said, his voice low and serious.Ava looked up at him, her eyes curious. "What is it, Master Zayne?" she asked."I need to know if you've noticed anything strange lately," Zayne said, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "Anything that might seem out of place or unusual."
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-04The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 20
“Be careful.” The words echoed in his head. There had to be more to this. Someone was trying to keep Ava safe—or perhaps warn her about a threat. Was the note a sign that someone knew what was coming? "Someone knows something," Rylan thought, and it made him feel uneasy. The pieces were starting to fall into place, but there was still so much that didn’t add up.His steps slowed as his thoughts shifted back to Zayne. “What if Zayne was the one who wrote it? No, that’s too obvious. He’s too careless for that. But who else might be watching Ava? And why are they warning her?"The more Rylan thought, the more questions seemed to pile up. He had to get to Ava before Zayne did. It was clear now that Ava was part of something much bigger than he had originally thought. She was involved in something—someone—was trying to protect her, or maybe stop her from discovering something. But what?Rylan’s mind raced, but there was no time to waste. He needed answers, and he needed them fast. “Ava… y
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-04The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 21
AVA'S POVThe next morning, I hurriedly resumed my duty post at the general's tent. I bowed low, my eyes cast downward, as General Kaelen approached. "Ah, Ava," the general said, his voice warm. "I see you're ready to resume your duties. I must say, I'm looking forward to seeing how you perform." I nodded, my face straight showing no expression, as General Kaelen took his seat. Zayne stood guard beside him, his eyes scanning the surrounding area, ever vigilant.“Did you sleep well?” the general asked suddenly, catching me off guard.I blinked and glanced up briefly before looking away again. “I did, General. Thank you for asking.”He hummed, tapping his fingers lightly on the wooden table. “Good. I wouldn’t want fatigue to affect your performance.”I clenched my fists discreetly and replied, “Understood.”As the day wore on, I proved to be a quick learner, efficiently handling my duties. Zayne stepped out of the tent for a moment, and I became nervous being left alone with the gener
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-05The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 22
Ava's POV But as I bent to pick up a discarded cup, I caught sight of General Kaelen standing across the room.Our eyes met, and for a brief moment, I felt like I was drowning in the depths of his sharp golden gaze. It was as if he could see right through me, to the very heart of my being. And then, in a voice that commanded without question, he issued a simple order:"Lift your skirt."My stomach clenched, my heart racing with a mix of fear and adrenaline. I knew what the Entertainers did, how they existed to serve the warriors. But I was not one of them. I was a servant. A worker. And I would not submit like the others.I refused.The room fell silent, the only sound the soft whisper of the Entertainers' shocked gasps. No one refused Kaelen. No woman had ever dared to deny him what he asked. The Entertainers exchanged horrified glances, their faces pale with fear.Mistress Elara, the woman who managed the Entertainers, stepped forward, her voice low and urgent. "Ava, stay away from
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-05The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 23
Ava's POV As the room began to stir back to life, Mistress Elara grasped my arm, her grip tight. "You fool," she whispered. "You don't know what you've just done."I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs. "I didn't do anything ," I protested.Mistress Elara's eyes narrowed. "You refused the General," she said. "You don't know what that means."I felt a shiver run down my spine. I had never intended to defy Kaelen. I had simply reacted on instinct, refusing to submit to his demands. But now, I wasn't so sure. Have I just made a terrible mistake?As I looked around the room, I saw the Entertainers watching me, their faces filled with a mix of fear and curiosity. I knew that I had just crossed a line, one that I couldn't uncross. And I wondered what the consequences would be.Kaelen's words echoed in my mind, his voice low and commanding. "Lift your skirt." I felt a shiver run down my spine. I had refused him, but I knew that I couldn't refuse him forever. The question was, what w
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-05The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 24
Ava's POVI thought that refusing General Kaelen would be the end of it. I expected anger, maybe even punishment, but instead, he did something far worse—he refused to let the matter drop. At first, his interest was subtle. A glance in my direction when I entered a room. A lingering gaze when I worked. But as the days passed, his attention became more deliberate. He ensured I was always in his line of sight, his presence a constant, oppressive force. I began to feel like I was living in a fishbowl, with Kaelen's eyes always on me.He started testing me, pushing me to my limits. My tasks became harder, more grueling. I was assigned to haul heavy water barrels, scrub the filth from warrior tents, and endure long hours with little rest. It wasn't an outright punishment, but it was clear that Kaelen wanted to see if I would break. If I would yield to the pressure."You're a hard worker, Ava," Kaelen said one day, as I was hauling a heavy water barrel across the camp. "I'll give you that."
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-06
Pinakabagong kabanata
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 67
"Zylan, I appreciate your concern, but I think you're overreacting," I said, trying to maintain a calm tone.But Zylan's expression didn't change. His lips were pressed into a tight line, eyes steady on mine. "General, I've seen the way you and Ava interact. The way you look at each other, the awkward silences... it's all starting to add up. You need to address this before it's too late."I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling the weight of his words sink in deeper than I cared to admit. "Zylan, you're acting like we're already caught in the act. It's not like that.""Then what is it, sir?" he asked, lowering his voice. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're falling for her. And everyone’s beginning to see it."I hesitated, then exhaled sharply. "It’s complicated."Zylan didn’t move, didn’t blink. "Complicated doesn't mean invisible, General. Secrets never stay buried around here."I felt a surge of frustration, knowing that Zylan was right. I was trying to ignore the p
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 66
I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated at how easily she had gotten under my skin. How did she manage to unravel parts of me I had locked away for years? How did a servant girl become the one thing I couldn’t ignore?But for now, I pushed those thoughts aside, and focused on the present moment. I was drawn to Ava, and I couldn't deny it.I knew that I had to be careful, that I had to keep my feelings hidden. But as I looked at Ava, I couldn't help but feel like I was taking a chance on something more. Something that could change everything.Only time would tell, but one thing was for sure: I was in uncharted territory, and I was excited to see where this journey would take me. I feel like I am taking a chance on something more. Something that could change everything._______________I stood at the edge of the training grounds, observing the warriors as they honed their skills. The sun beat down on us, casting a warm glow over the scene. But despite the pleasant weather, I couldn't s
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 65
I gave a faint, rueful smile. “Because they let me feel without breaking.”She shifted slightly on the wooden chair, her fingers smoothing the fabric of her skirt. “Esther waited through the first banquet. Held her breath through the second. All the while, knowing the fate of her people hung in the air.”“Still, she chose patience,” I murmured. “That’s a kind of strength I don’t have.”“Maybe you do,” Ava said gently. “You just haven’t needed to use it that way.”I tilted my head. “Is that what you think? That I’m stronger than I look?”“No,” she said with a slight smile. “I think you’re stronger than you believe.”I felt something shift inside me again—slow, careful, like the click of a hidden lock.“And what about you?” I asked. “Where does your strength come from?”She shrugged, almost shy. “From silence, I think. From watching when no one notices. From listening, even when my heart’s racing.”“That’s not weakness,” I said. “That’s fire hidden in still water.”Her laugh was quiet,
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 64
As Ava continued to speak, I found myself getting lost in her words. I was transported to a different time and place, a place where I could be myself, without the weight of my duties as a Panja warrior.But as the moments passed, I knew that I had to snap back to reality. I couldn't let my feelings get the better of me, not yet. I had to keep my cool, and pretend like everything was normal.But as I looked at Ava, I knew that it was going to be hard. She had awakened something inside me, something that I couldn't ignore. And I knew that I would have to confront it, sooner or later.“So… what happened next?” I asked, clearing my throat, trying to sound composed.Ava smiled gently, her hands folded neatly in her lap. “The king extended his scepter to Esther, sparing her life. She invited him and Haman to a banquet… not once, but twice.”“Twice?” I leaned forward slightly. “Why delay the request?”She tilted her head thoughtfully. “Perhaps she wanted to create suspense. Or maybe she need
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 63
General Kaelen's POV "Kaelen, what's come over you?" I asked myself, pacing slowly near the center table. "Are you trying to say you want to woo a servant?" The words felt strange in my mouth, but the truth was unavoidable. I knew deep inside—I was already in the process of wooing her. And if my instincts were right, she felt something too. There was a softness in her gaze lately, a warmth that wasn't always there.I checked the time. Just a few minutes before Ava was due to arrive and begin her usual cleaning. But tonight, I had other plans. I straightened the scattered tools on the table, brushed the dust from the nearby chair, and prepared myself—not just for her work, but for her presence.My heart thudded with anticipation.When the door creaked open, Ava stepped in, eyes dropping respectfully as always. Her hair was pulled back, a few strands slipping free around her cheeks. I cleared my throat, suddenly tense."Put the tools away," I ordered, softer than usual. "Then come and
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 62
General Kaelen's POV I woke up from my bed quite early, feeling a sense of restlessness that I couldn't shake off. My mind kept drifting towards Ava, and I couldn't explain the feelings that were stirring inside me. As a Panja warrior, I was trained to be emotionally numb, incapable of joy or excitement – detached from the world around me. But Ava had somehow managed to break through that barrier, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to her.I got out of bed and instead of getting ready for the day, I began pacing around my quarters, my mind racing with thoughts of Ava. I couldn't understand why I felt this way, but I knew that I couldn't ignore it. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. I was used to being in control, but when it came to Ava, I felt like I was losing my grip.I stopped near the window, the early light casting faint shadows on the stone floor. “Why her?” I murmured to myself, rubbing the back of my neck. “Why now?”The silence in the room was deafening, pressing agai
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 61
Ava's POV But as I worked on the torn dresses, my mind kept wandering back to General Kaelen. I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if we were discovered. Would we be punished? Would we be able to escape?"I shouldn’t even be thinking about him," I muttered to myself, threading the needle with trembling fingers. "This is madness."Across the room, one of the other girls glanced at me, raising a brow."Did you say something, Ava?"Startled, I shook my head quickly. "No. Just talking to the fabric," I said with a strained laugh.She snorted. "You better not let Mistress Elara catch you mumbling to yourself. She’s already on edge today."As if on cue, I felt a sharp gaze prick the back of my neck. I didn’t have to turn to know it was her. Mistress Elara.I focused harder, stitching faster, but my hands were clumsy. The thread snapped."Damn it," I whispered."Language," the mistress's voice rang out sharply across the room.My heart skipped. "Sorry, Mistress," I said without look
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 60
The Mistress called everyone's attention back to the lesson, her voice firm and commanding."Alright, enough chatter," she snapped, her sharp tone slicing through the room. "You all seem to be enjoying yourselves a bit too much. But remember this—" she raised a finger, her eyes cold and steady, "The Masters are not your companions. They are not your friends. They are not here to save you."A heavy silence fell across the room."They will give you immense pleasure," she continued with a dark smile curling on her lips, "but just as easily, they will give you pain. Never forget your place."There were a few nervous gulps around the room. I kept my head down, trying to avoid her gaze, but I could feel the heat of her stare settling near me.Someone from the back raised a hand hesitantly. "But what if a Master—""I don’t care what you think a Master feels!" Mistress Elara snapped, cutting the girl off mid-sentence. Her voice echoed across the room. “I don’t care if he smiles at you, speaks
The Forbidden Gaze Chapter 59
As the day went on, I caught glimpses of the general from afar. He was busy with his duties, but every now and then, our eyes would meet, and I could feel the tension between us.It was like a spark of electricity had been lit, and it was only a matter of time before it ignited into something more.I knew that I had to be careful, that I had to keep my feelings hidden, at least for now. But I couldn't help the way I felt, and I couldn't help but wonder what might happen if the general and I were to act on our feelings.The possibilities were endless, and I was afraid to think what the future might hold for us if we chose to act on it. But for now, I had to keep my feelings hidden and continue with my duties as if nothing was out of the ordinary.It was a delicate balancing act, but I was determined to see it through. I was determined to keep my feelings hidden, while at the same time, exploring the possibilities of what could be.As the day continued, I couldn't help but feel a sense
