Even in Darkness She Chose to Rise (Tatiana and Jasper) novel Chapter 153

**Even the Night Couldn’t Silence Her Light**
**Chapter 153: She Only Wished for His Safety**

The nun began to unfold the story of that fateful year, her voice carrying the weight of memories long past.

“Tatiana,” she recounted, “arrived at the Protestant Church, utterly shattered. Her eyes were pools of despair as she pleaded with the priest to ignite a heavenly lantern and pray for the safety of the man she held dear.”

The image of Tatiana climbing those 309 steps, one by one, was vivid in the nun’s mind. Each step had seemed insurmountable, her strength waning with every ascent. By the time she reached the summit, exhaustion threatened to consume her, yet her spirit remained unyielded.

The abbot, witnessing her fervent devotion, had granted her request. It was a moment of grace, rare in the multitude of daily supplications that filled the church. Many had come with their desires, but only Tatiana’s fervor had pierced through the heavens.

“Everyone in the church remembers her,” the nun continued, her gaze distant, as if she were peering back into that poignant moment.

Meanwhile, Jasper sat in a daze, his mind clouded with thoughts that felt both foreign and familiar. A dull ache radiated from his chest—not a sharp pain, but one that resonated deep within him, as if it were a reminder of something he had lost.

“The priest was touched by her sincerity that year,” the nun elaborated, her voice softening. “He even took the time to read her fortune. He told her that her marital affinity was weak, that the man she sought was not a good match for her. He urged her to turn away from her misguided path, but…”

Jasper felt a tightening in his throat, an instinctive need to know more. “But what?” he pressed, his heart racing.

“Unfortunately, the benefactress was unwilling to heed his words. She also said…”

“What did she say?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

The nun paused, gathering her thoughts. “She said, ‘I never pray for us to love each other. I only wish for him to be safe and sound.’”

The words struck Jasper like a physical blow, each syllable resonating painfully in his chest, crushing his heart under their weight. The intensity of the emotion was overwhelming, an unfamiliar warmth coursing through him, mingled with a sharp pang that left him feeling utterly lost.

In that moment, a desperate longing to see her surged within him, igniting a flame of urgency.

“Thank you,” he murmured, turning to leave, his mind racing.

“Fate is fickle,” the nun called after him, her voice a gentle reminder. “Some opportunities, once missed, are lost forever. Cherish the one who stands before you!”

His steps faltered briefly, the weight of her words lingering in the air, but he soon hurried away, the urgency of his heart propelling him forward.

At the edge of the mountain, Tatiana stood, her silhouette framed against the vast expanse of the sky. The wind tousled her hair, giving her an ethereal quality, as if she might dissolve into the air at any moment.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps broke the stillness.

She turned, startled, only to find herself enveloped in a warm embrace.

Jasper’s familiar presence wrapped around her, his warmth seeping into her slightly cool skin, the scent of cedar enveloping her senses like a comforting blanket.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he murmured, his voice low and rough, sending shivers down her spine.

Tatiana froze, her mind racing. What was happening?

“Why didn’t you say anything?” he pressed again, urgency lacing his tone.

“Let go! Someone will see!” she protested, struggling against him.

But in the blink of an eye, the world spun around her. Her back collided with the rough bark of a sturdy tree, and he pinned her there, forcing her to meet his intense gaze. The raw emotion swirling in his eyes was both terrifying and exhilarating.

She trembled, a realization dawning upon her—he must have discovered something.

“Was it worth it?” he asked, his voice heavy with unspoken questions.

Tatiana’s eyes blazed with defiance. “I don’t know!” she retorted stubbornly.

“Wrong,” he replied, reclaiming her lips with a fierceness that sent shivers down her spine.

He was like a petulant child, demanding his favorite toy, throwing a fit when he couldn’t have it.

Fear gripped her heart.

The Protestant Church was alive with visitors; this was not a secluded haven. Someone could stumble upon them at any moment, and the thought sent a wave of humiliation crashing over her.

Anger and frustration bubbled within her, but she finally relented. “It was worth it!” she exclaimed, her voice laced with desperation.

His gaze deepened, like dark ink swirling in a glass, as he stared at her intently. “Who was worth it?”

Defeated, she sighed, “You were! Are you satisfied? Now let me go!”

But he remained unmoved, his grip still firm around her. His voice softened, an uncharacteristic gentleness lacing his words. “Why did you do it?”

Tatiana’s expression went blank, the weight of his question pressing down on her. She didn’t want to answer.

He leaned closer, his handsome face inches from hers, and she knew another kiss was imminent.

“I’ll talk! Just don’t come any closer!” she pleaded, panic rising within her; that last kiss had nearly stolen her breath away.

“Four years ago, you were in danger. Your whereabouts were a mystery. No one could find you. They all said… you were unlikely to have survived.”