---- Chapter 27 No.27 Nyx POV: Before leaving the Blackmoon Pack for good, | held a small exhibition of my woodwork. | called it "The Rainy Season," a collection of carvings | had made during my six years in the north. It was my way of closing this Chapter , of showing them who | had become. The centerpiece of the exhibition was a massive sculpture | called "Rainfire." It was a Kapok tree, a species known for its fiery red flowers that bloomed in the harshest rainy seasons. Its roots were gnarled and deep, its trunk scarred, but its branches reached towards the sky, covered in vibrant, defiant blossoms. It was a self-portrait. | was watching the crowd from a distance when | saw Kaelen. He stood before "Rainfire" for a long time, his expression unreadable. He didn't approach me, respecting my wishes. But later, his Beta found me and informed me that the Alpha had purchased the sculpture for an exorbitant sum. He kept his distance, but his presence was a constant, quiet hum in the background of my life. Every day, a delivery would arrive at my quarters: rare healing herbs for my leg, nutrient- tich foods from the Alpha's personal stores, soft furs to keep me warm. There were never any notes. He was trying to care ---- for me from afar, the only way he could. On the last day of the exhibition, | saw him again, standing in the shadows. | knew he was there to say a silent goodbye. On impulse, | walked over to him. "Kaelen," | said softly. He flinched, but didn't turn around. He was keeping his promise not to look at me, not to approach me. | moved to stand beside him. "Thank you for buying the sculpture." "It's beautiful," he said, his voice raspy. "It reminds me of you." He started to turn away. "I'll leave you in peace now." As he moved, my fingers brushed against his. A jolt, sharp and electric, shot up my arm. The Electric Touch. He froze, his eyes wide with shock. The unexpected connection brought a memory flooding back. The first time we met. | was a small, lonely pup, hiding from the rain under a giant oak tree, reciting a poem about Kapok trees from a book | had found. He had found me there, a young, smiling Alpha-in-training, and offered me his cloak. He looked from my face to the sculpture, the dawning comprehension in his eyes a painful thing to watch. "The Kapok tree," he whispered, his voice breaking. "That was you. All this time, you were the fire in the rain, and |... | was the storm that tried to put you out." ---- He stepped closer, his face inches from mine. He gently rested his forehead against mine, his eyes closed. "Please, Elara," he begged, his voice a raw, desperate whisper. "Give me a sign. Any sign. A reason to hope that one day, we can start again." In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.