The Sickened Luna's Last Chance novel Chapter 416

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**The Perfect 416**

**Chapter 416**

Ella’s POV

As I stood there, I could feel the firm grip of Alexander’s hands around my waist, a protective hold that conveyed his reluctance to let me slip away. When I gently pulled back to meet his gaze, I was met with eyes that spoke volumes—tired and weary, his face pale and etched with the weight of unspoken burdens.

“Everything okay?” I asked softly, brushing my thumb across the sharp line of his cheekbone. I noticed how he leaned into my touch, as if my fingers were a lifeline in a turbulent sea.

For a moment, he hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty passing over his features. But then, he nodded slowly, the tension in his body easing just a fraction. “Yeah. Better now that you’re here,” he replied, his voice a low murmur.

I felt a familiar pang of concern, but I refrained from probing further about the spirits that had been haunting him. I already knew the answer lay buried beneath the surface. An idea sparked in my mind, igniting a flicker of hope. I took hold of Alexander’s hand, my heart racing with the possibilities, and nodded toward the door.

“Walk with me,” I urged, my voice light yet firm.

“Where to?” he asked, a hint of curiosity lacing his tone.

I reached for his jacket hanging by the door and handed it to him, feeling a rush of determination. “To pick Lucien up from Anya’s house. I think some fresh air would do us both a world of good.”

He hesitated again, as if weighing the comfort of staying indoors against the unknown of venturing outside. But with a resigned shrug, he slipped into his jacket and followed me into the evening chill. The air was crisp, invigorating, as the sun began its slow descent, casting a warm glow across the horizon. In the distance, the small stone cottage exhaled wisps of smoke from its chimney, and the windows glimmered with a cheerful yellow light, beckoning us closer.

As we walked hand-in-hand, a comfortable silence enveloped us. The sounds of the evening wrapped around us—the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, the distant call of an owl, and the crunch of frost under our feet. It was a symphony of nature, and I found solace in the simple act of being with him.

After a few moments, I broke the silence, my voice barely above a whisper. “I think I may have found a way to help you,” I said, my heart pounding with anticipation. “To help all of us.”

Alexander shot me a sidelong glance, intrigue dancing in his eyes, though a shadow of skepticism lingered. I took a deep breath and shared my thoughts about the crystal, my voice steady despite the uncertainty. As I spoke, I could see the flicker of interest in his expression, tempered by a healthy dose of caution.