Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Chapter 70

+25 Bonus

“You are a remarkable child, Cassidy. But there were people who once clipped your wings so you wouldn’t realize you were capable of flying.”

A faint smile curved the old woman’s lips. “I am so happy you’ve finally discovered your own potential.”

She studied Cassie once more, satisfied, almost proud.

“With the confidence I see in your eyes now, the inferior Cassidy who sat before me six years ago no longer exists.”

Tears streamed freely down Cassie’s cheeks as she nodded–once, then again–each motion an agreement, an affirmation to herself that every word Carina Pierce had spoken was true.

“I can repay the money you lent me a thousandfold now, Madame,” she said, her voice trembling, a tearful smile curving her lips as pride finally adorned her face. From her handbag, she drew out a sleek black card and held it out with both hands.

Carina’s gaze flicked to the card, lingering there for a moment before lifting back to Cassie’s face. A knowing, almost proud smirk carved itself into her wrinkled lips. 1

“Six years ago, with your soul already broken,” Carina said slowly, “the last thing you needed was pity. Pity would have shattered you completely.” She let out a deep sigh, her eyes turning wistful, as though the past were unfolding before her once more.

“I chose to protect your pride then, Cassidy. So instead of charity, I gave you something to hold on to. Something to fight for.” Her eyes gleamed.

“A debt you believed you had to repay.”

Her smile took on an ominous edge.

“I gave you the push to spread your wings–while anchoring you to the very place that broke you. Because no matter how far we travel, no matter how long the journey, we always find our way back

home.”

Carina reached out and gently closed Cassie’s fingers around the card.

“I simply gave you the path, so you would never forget how to return.”

Her voice softened at last.

“That money was never meant to be repaid. It was never a debt, Cassidy.”

She smiled–warm, unwavering–as Cassie’s tears continued to fall, no longer from pain, but from gratitude, realization, and the quiet truth that someone had believed in her long before she learned to

believe in herself.

“Madame…”

1/3

Chapter 20

+25 Bonus

Cassie broke. She stepped forward and collapsed against Carina Pierce, burying her face in the old woman’s lap as sobs tore free from her chest. Years of restraint, of silent endurance, unraveled all at once. Her shoulders shook violently as she cried–raw, unguarded, human.

Carina’s wrinkled hands came down on her back, firm yet gentle, rubbing slow, comforting circles as if Cassie were still a child seeking refuge.

“Life is not always kind,” Carina murmured softly.

“There will be tests. Trials. Battles you never asked to fight.” Her hand glided up and down Cassie’s back in a steady rhythm.

“But none of that gives you a reason to surrender.”

She paused, her voice low but resolute.

“Life is a battlefield, child. And if you wish to survive it, you must learn how to fight.”

Carina’s voice softened, pride seeping into every syllable as her gaze lingered on Cassie.

“And I am so proud of you. The past did not break you–it tempered you, refined you, and shaped you into something beautiful.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify