The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 867

"I’ve only known Leilani for six months, but I see her clearly," Payton began. "She’s exactly like her mentor. Stubborn as hell. Once she makes up her mind, a team of horses couldn't drag her away. And she values the people she loves above everything else."

Callahan knew Leilani's personality better than anyone. He stared into the fire and gave a brief nod. "I know."

A heavy silence fell over them, filled only by the crackling wood. Payton reached his thin, weathered hands toward the flames, trying to soak up the heat.

After a long pause, he asked a question that seemed to come out of nowhere. "Do you know why she’s so obsessed with curing my poison? We've only known each other for half a year."

Callahan paused, answering carefully, "Because you are a deeply important and respected figure in her life."

Payton let out a low chuckle. It held no joy, only a bitter, self-deprecating edge. "When I was young, whether it was for survival or something else, I got a lot of blood on my hands. I committed too many sins. This poison eating away at me... calling it karma wouldn't be an exaggeration."

He rubbed the polished bamboo of his cane, his sightless eyes staring into the distance. Callahan didn't interrupt, remaining a silent, patient listener as the fire cast flickering shadows across his face.

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