He Knows the Door to My Soul and Who Forgot to Novel 120
In this chapter, the protagonist is caught in a whirlwind of emotions as they navigate a vibrant festival while searching for two children who bear a striking resemblance to them. The children, presumably the offspring of Natalia and Damon, have been haunting the protagonist’s thoughts since their first encounter. As the festival unfolds, filled with laughter and joy, the protagonist feels a deep sense of confusion and concern about the children’s absence, suspecting that something may be amiss.
Amidst the festivities, the protagonist grapples with their feelings for Natalia, their true mate, and the frustration of being drawn to her despite the complex history between them. The full moon amplifies their instincts and desires, making it increasingly difficult to suppress the yearning for her. When they finally spot Natalia resting beneath an oak tree, the protagonist is struck by her ethereal beauty, reminiscent of the early days of their relationship before it was marred by betrayal and lies.
As the protagonist approaches Natalia, memories of their intimate past flood back, intensifying their longing. However, when she awakens and mistakenly calls out for Damon, it shatters the moment, revealing the emotional distance that still exists between them. The protagonist’s heart sinks as they realize that even in her vulnerable state, Natalia’s thoughts are with Damon, not them. This painful realization underscores the tension in their relationship and the ongoing struggle for connection.
Despite Natalia’s claims of being fine, the protagonist notices signs of her fatigue and possible illness, heightening their concern. Just as they are about to inquire about the children and express their worries, Damon appears, casting a shadow over the moment. His authoritative presence signals a shift in the dynamic, as he interrupts the fragile connection that was forming between Natalia and the protagonist, leading to an impending confrontation in the tug-of-war event.
Overall, this chapter encapsulates a blend of longing, confusion, and unresolved emotions as the protagonist navigates their complex feelings for Natalia amidst the backdrop of a joyful festival, only to be reminded of the barriers that still exist between them.
**He Knows the Door to My Soul and Who Forgot to Novel 120**
My gaze swept across the bustling crowd, a sea of laughter and bright colors, as I searched for those two children I had glimpsed at Ashmoor. The boy and girl who bore a striking resemblance to me, their features echoing my own. Since that fateful day, they had occupied my thoughts, lingering like a haunting melody—who were they, and why did they feel so familiar?
Yet, as I scanned the throngs of children darting through the festival grounds, I found no trace of them. It struck me as peculiar. Perhaps they were not Damon and Natalia’s children after all, or maybe someone had deliberately ensured their absence from this evening’s festivities.
The festival itself was a vibrant tapestry woven with the laughter of children; it was clearly crafted with their joy in mind. Games beckoned from every corner, sugary treats wafted through the air, performers dazzled with their tricks, and a small petting zoo invited curious hands to stroke the soft fur of rabbits and the gentle bleating of baby goats. What child in their right mind would choose to miss out on such exuberance?
I couldn’t fathom Natalia keeping her own children away from this spectacle. She had always possessed a tender heart, especially for furry little creatures.
Perhaps it was Damon who insisted they remain at home, cloistered away from the joy of the festival. The mere thought of him being so heartless sent a sharp pang of bitterness coursing through me.
I shook my head, trying to dispel the unwelcome thoughts, and took a sip from the cup of sweet wine cradled in my hand. I had to concede, Ashmoor certainly knew how to concoct a delightful drink. However, the rich alcohol only intensified the pull of the full moon above. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, yearning for something—or rather, someone.
“Mate,” my wolf growled insistently. “Find our mate.”
I pushed back against his demands, but with each passing moment, it became increasingly difficult to silence his yearnings. The full moon heightened everything—my strength, my senses, my desires. And the most primal of those desires had always been for Natalia, no matter how much I wished it weren’t so.
Just then, something caught my attention—a figure nestled beneath the grand oak tree at the meadow’s edge. It was a sight I recognized all too well. Natalia. Was she asleep?
Without a moment’s hesitation, I found myself drawn toward her, like a moth irresistibly attracted to a flame. As I approached, it became clear that she was indeed lost in slumber, her head gently resting against the sturdy trunk of the tree, her chest rising and falling in a slow, rhythmic dance.
In that moment, she appeared almost ethereal, a younger version of the woman I had first encountered all those years ago. Before the bitterness had taken root. Before the web of lies had entangled us. Before she had staged her own death. The fading sunlight caressed her features, illuminating the delicate curve of her cheek and the soft fullness of her lips.
My wolf howled with desire, craving nothing more than to claim her in that instant. To mark her as mine, to feel her warmth against me.
A vivid memory surged forth, unbidden—a flash of the night we had shared after the banquet. The softness of her skin beneath my fingertips, her breathy gasps as I moved within her, the way she had arched against me, drawing me deeper into her embrace. My body reacted instinctively to the recollection, a rush of heat flooding through me.
I crouched beside her, unable to resist the urge to draw closer. She smelled of lavender, but there was something else—something new mingling with her familiar scent.
Something bitter, herbal. It wasn’t unpleasant, just… unusual. Not the fragrance I had come to associate with her.
I had noticed this change before, during our last few encounters. She had appeared extraordinarily fatigued lately, claiming her sleep was elusive. Yet this new scent lingered in the air, hinting at a possible medication. Was she unwell?
Without realizing it, I reached out, my fingers poised to brush against her cheek, as if to check for fever. But just before I could make contact, her eyes fluttered open, blinking against the dimming light. For a heartbeat, she simply stared at me, confusion clouding her gaze. Then she spoke.
“Damon?”
Her voice pierced through me like a bucket of ice water, chilling my heart, which had been racing moments before. It retreated behind its familiar fortress of ice.
Of course. Even in her half-awake state, with the full moon casting its glow, she still longed for him. Not for me. Not for her true mate.
“Wrong brother,” I replied, my tone flat, devoid of warmth.
Natalia’s eyes widened as she jolted upright, her confusion morphing into surprise.
“Andrei. What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.
“Just checking on you,” I said, shifting back onto my heels. “You look unwell.”
She rubbed her eyes, a gesture of weariness. “I’m fine. Just allergies.”
I scrutinized her face, noting the dark circles beneath her eyes that told a different story. “Allergies so severe they’re disrupting your sleep?”
Natalia shrugged, a dismissive gesture. “It’s hard to sleep when your nose is stuffed up.”
I studied her for a moment, wrestling with the urge to ask about the children I had seen. My curiosity gnawed at me, desperate for answers. But just as I opened my mouth to speak, a dark shadow loomed over us. I looked up to find Damon glaring down at me, his expression a mixture of irritation and authority.
“It’s time,” he grunted. “For the tug-of-war.”
As I sat there, the weight of the moment pressed heavily on my chest. The fleeting connection I felt with Natalia, however brief, reminded me of the depth of our shared history, a bond that transcended the pain and betrayal that had come between us. Yet, the sharp reminder of her lingering affection for Damon sliced through me, leaving a bitter taste that mingled with the sweetness of my earlier memories. I had hoped that perhaps, in this moment of vulnerability, she might see me for who I truly was—the one who had always cared for her, the one who could offer her solace. But instead, I was faced with the harsh reality that her heart still belonged to another, a realization that sent a shiver of despair through my very core.
The festival continued to pulse with life around us, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within. I felt the tug of my wolf, urging me to claim what was rightfully mine, yet I was shackled by the chains of doubt and jealousy. As Damon’s shadow loomed over us, I recognized that the tug-of-war was not just a physical contest but a battle for Natalia’s heart, a heart that seemed forever out of reach. In that instant, I understood that no matter how fiercely my wolf howled for our mate, the path forward was fraught with challenges that demanded more than mere desire. It required courage, patience, and perhaps even the acceptance of a love that might never be fully realized.
In the next chapter, readers can expect a whirlwind of emotions as tensions rise between Andrei and Damon, setting the stage for an intense confrontation. With Damon’s arrival, the air thickens with unspoken rivalry and unresolved feelings, leaving Andrei to grapple with his conflicting desires for Natalia and the bitter reality of her lingering affection for his brother. The tug-of-war is not just a physical contest; it symbolizes the deeper battle for Natalia’s heart and the truth about the children Andrei has yet to uncover. Will he find the courage to confront Damon, or will he be overshadowed by the weight of his own insecurities?
As the tug-of-war commences, the stakes will heighten, and the festival’s vibrant backdrop will serve as a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil brewing beneath the surface. With Natalia caught in the middle, her health and well-being will become increasingly precarious, adding urgency to Andrei’s quest for answers. What secrets lie hidden beneath her façade of strength? And what role do the children play in this tangled web of relationships? As the moon hangs high, illuminating their fates, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover whether Andrei will seize the moment to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his or if he will allow the shadows of the past to dictate his future.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.