Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 252

Elowen felt heat rush through her whole body.

Cassian let out a low laugh. "Even if we don't do anything, we still have to get naked and soak in the hot springs together, right?"

The words sent the heat straight to Elowen's head. Before she could stop herself, her imagination ran ahead.

She pictured a quiet pool with steam drifting through the air, and Cassian standing close beside her.

Her heart lurched. Panic and embarrassment flooded her at the same time. She instinctively tried to turn and run, but Cassian was still holding her wrist, his grip warm and steady.

Her eyes dropped to the cloak in her arms. It suddenly felt like the only shield she had.

Without thinking, she lifted it and held it up in front of her face, trying to hide her burning cheeks.

A soft laugh sounded nearby.

"Ella," Cassian said, amused. "Those clothes are dirty."

As he spoke, he reached over and pulled the cloak down.

The movement loosened her carefully arranged hair. Several strands slipped free and fell across both sides of her face.

Her cheeks were flushed deep red, and the loose strands framed her face in a way that made her look even softer.

Cassian watched her quietly.

For a brief moment, it felt like his heartbeat skipped.

Elowen could not stand the intensity in his eyes. Her heart pounded, and she grabbed the first distraction she could think of.

"R-right. Cassian," she said quickly. "Where exactly are we going for the hot springs?"

Cassian cleared his throat once before answering.

"Sunspire Hill. About twelve miles east of Vanelle, near the border with Lyria. The hot spring estate there was built by my father back when he was still ruling. After Theodric took the throne, he gave the estate to me."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"Dawnfall Ridge is nearby. The terrain is steep and the views are hidden away. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see it. The clouds catch the light and the mountains look layered in color. There's also a church on the mountain, Serenity Church. It's very well known in Vanelle. People say prayers there can help cut off... complicated attachments. And it's said to be especially effective for couples praying for children."

"Dawnfall Ridge. Serenity Church." Elowen froze.

She knew Dawnfall Ridge far too well.

Her brother Julian and her sister in law had fallen in love there at first sight.

She could still remember herself from that time, sitting by the window with her chin resting in her hands, talking excitedly to Alaric, who had still been her close friend back then.

"If I could take the most important person in my life to Dawnfall Ridge just once and watch the sunrise there," she had said.

Alaric had watched her the whole time, smiling quietly.

The moment Elowen realized how direct her words sounded, embarrassment rushed over her. She quickly waved it off, pretending she did not care.

"Then my life would basically be perfect."

Alaric had laughed. He reached over and ruffled her hair gently.

"Alright, Ella," he had said. "One day, I'll take you there."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify