The Sickened Luna's Last Chance novel Chapter 366

**TITLE: The Perfect 366**

**Ella’s POV**

“It’s absolutely okay to find joy in moments like this, you know. Embracing happiness is perfectly acceptable, even when it feels like climbing a steep mountain,” Anya said, her voice warm and encouraging. She was perched atop a towering mound of fabric samples, surrounded by colorful baskets filled with glimmering beads that sparkled like tiny stars. Her eyes held a glint of hope and happiness—an emotion I longed to grasp but felt perpetually just out of reach.

“Is it that obvious?” I sighed heavily, letting the swatch of cream fabric I had been fiddling with slip from my fingers and land unceremoniously in the “no” pile. It felt coarse against my skin, rough like the tumultuous thoughts swirling endlessly in my mind.

Anya tilted her head, her expression a mixture of concern and empathy. “You seem so downcast, Ella. It’s as if you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Not at all the radiant bride I envisioned you would be.”

If only I could peel back the layers of my heart and share the depths of my turmoil with her. If only I could articulate the fears that gnawed at my insides—the ominous curse that loomed over us, Alexander’s declining health, and the guilt I bore regarding Liam’s coma. I yearned to confide in Anya, to find comfort in the friendship that had always been my safe haven.

But the words remained stuck in my throat, heavy and unyielding. If I could just voice my fears, perhaps they wouldn’t feel so insurmountable, so suffocating.

Last night had been a turning point; Julie’s visit had shattered the fragile peace I had clung to. Her revelation—that the curse could manifest as tuberculosis in Alexander—had sent my mind spiraling into a dark abyss. Sleep had become a distant memory since then. My body felt as if it were made of lead, exhaustion wrapping around me like a thick fog. Even the familiar comfort of Alexander’s embrace failed to soothe my restless spirit.

Especially when the haunting sound of his labored breathing echoed in my ears, each rattling inhale a stark reminder of how fragile life truly was.

I dreaded the thought of closing my eyes, terrified that if I did, I might awaken to silence—the terrifying possibility that he had stopped breathing altogether.

At that very moment, he was at the doctor’s office, seeking answers to the troubling symptoms that plagued him. He had reassured me earlier that he felt perfectly fine, but those words did little to quell the gnawing anxiety that resided in my chest. The unknown loomed like a dark cloud—how advanced was his illness? Would his protective instincts kick in, placing him in a state of stasis like Liam if things took a turn for the worse?

At least I could find some solace in the fact that the curse wouldn’t send him spiraling into a tragic accident. It seemed that once the curse chose its path, it was immutable.

Not that it would shield him from the whims of fate. Still, it was a small comfort, wasn’t it?

**Conclusion**

In the midst of uncertainty, Ella’s journey toward acceptance and hope begins to crystallize. The weight of her fears and the burden of guilt had threatened to overshadow the joy of her impending wedding. Yet, as she engages with Anya and selects the shimmering champagne silk, a subtle shift occurs within her. The fabric, catching the light like a promise of brighter days, symbolizes the possibility of happiness even amid turmoil. Ella’s genuine smile, a breakthrough from the shadows of her anxiety, marks a pivotal moment in her emotional arc—a recognition that joy can coexist with sorrow and that she is not alone in her struggles.

As Anya prepares to craft the dress, Ella’s heart begins to swell with a fragile sense of hope. The act of choosing the fabric becomes a metaphor for her journey; it is a reminder that even in the darkest times, there can be glimmers of light that guide her forward. The promise of a wedding, once overshadowed by fear, now emerges as a beacon of resilience and love. Ella’s realization that she can lean on her friends for support and that happiness is still within reach serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. In this moment, she embraces the possibility of joy, understanding that while the path ahead may be fraught with challenges, it is also filled with the potential for beauty and connection.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter, readers can expect the tension to rise as Ella grapples with the impending reality of Alexander’s health and the weight of the curse that looms over their lives. With Anya’s unwavering support, Ella will be forced to confront her fears head-on, perhaps leading her to finally voice the turmoil that has been festering within. The anticipation of Alexander’s return from the doctor’s office will add a palpable sense of urgency, as Ella’s mind races with the possibilities of what news he might bring. Will he return with reassurances, or will the shadows of doubt deepen, forcing Ella to navigate a path fraught with uncertainty?

Moreover, the chapter promises to delve deeper into the complexities of Ella’s relationships, particularly with Anya, as they prepare for a wedding that feels increasingly overshadowed by despair. As Anya works tirelessly on the dress, the symbolism of the fabric may serve as a metaphor for Ella’s journey—a delicate balance between hope and despair. Readers will be left wondering if the light that has begun to pierce through Ella’s darkness is merely a fleeting glimpse or a sign of resilience. Will she find the strength to embrace her happiness amidst the chaos, or will the weight of her fears continue to overshadow her joy? The next chapter is poised to unravel these pivotal questions, leaving readers eager for the unfolding drama.