---- Chapter 29 No.29 Kaelen POV: Her words were gentle, but they were as final as a blade to the heart. | had held onto a sliver of hope, a desperate, foolish belief that the mate bond, that fate itself, could overcome the damage | had done. But looking at her now, serene and strong in the temple's ethereal light, | knew she was right | had broken something sacred. And it could never be repaired. The pain was immense, a crushing weight of finality. But underneath it, there was a strange sense of peace. The desperate, frantic struggle was over. | had my answer. "| understand," | said, my voice hoarse. "Your happiness is all that matters. If that means a life without me in it, then | accept that." | gave her a small, sad smile. "Be well, Nyx of the North." "Have a safe journey, Alpha Kaelen," she replied, her voice polite, distant. It was the last time we ever spoke. | left the north the next day. The years that followed were quiet. | threw myself into my duties as Alpha, trying to atone for my past by building a better future for my pack. | never took another mate. The Moon Goddess only gives you ---- one soulmate. | had rejected mine, and that was a sentence | would carry for the rest of my life. Sometimes, news of her would drift down from the north. | heard of the legendary white wolf warrior, Nyx, who defended her sanctuary from a rogue horde. | heard of the master artist, Nyx, whose carvings were sought after by Alphas across the continent. Lyra, who had become my trusted Beta and a frequent visitor to the north, would share stories and images with me through the mind-link. | saw Nyx laughing with her friends. | saw her teaching the young pups how to track. | saw her standing on her porch, her face tilted towards the sun, looking healthy, and strong, and happy. And that was enough. | finally understood the Goddess's cruelest lesson: some mistakes can't be fixed. Some people, once you let them go, are gone forever. My punishment was not to live without love, but to live with the constant, aching knowledge of the perfect love | had willingly destroyed. One night, standing on the balcony of my tower, | looked up at the moon and sent one last message into the silent, empty space where our bond used to be. A message she would never hear, but one | needed to send. '| hope it is always spring for you, Elara. | hope your life is always as vibrant and beautiful as the fire on the Kapok tree. Be happy. Always.' 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.