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Chapter 67

Author: Mary Anthony
last update Last Updated: 2025-04-24 17:21:57

"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
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  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 67

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  • The Forbidden Gaze   Chapter 66

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  • 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

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  • 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

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