The Eclipsed Bloom-Chapter 113: Master plan

With a dull thud, Helen’s unconscious body hit the bed.

The woman—Megan—clapped her hands casually, brushing the dust from her palms.

"It was easier than expected," she muttered with a smug grin.

Without sparing Helen another glance, she walked out of the bedroom.

As she stepped into the living room, her gaze landed on a man seated silently on the sofa. His broad back faced her, shoulders stiff with thought.

Seeing his familiar, lonely posture, Megan sighed.

Walking over, she spoke lightly, "Averey, the job’s done. We can move to stop that Ava now."

At her voice, Avery straightened, slipping effortlessly into a commanding presence.

"Hmm. Did you run into any trouble along the way?"

Megan smiled at his usual stoicism and shook her head.

"Nah. It was easier than I expected."

Avery nodded, his expression darkening as he looked at Megan with quiet intensity.

"Are our people ready?"

Megan leaned back against the armrest, arms crossed. "Yeah, mostly. They’ve already started wiping out some of the Church’s agents. Now the Church is panicking—sending even High Priests after them."

A slow, cold smirk curved Avery’s lips as he rose to his feet, his eyes gleaming with controlled malice.

"Then it’s time we stop playing nice," he said, voice low and deadly. "We’ll wipe out every last one of those beasts."

He paused, gaze sharp. "And Megan... if Ava dares to interfere again—"

He turned, his tone razor-sharp.

"—remind her that her sister can bleed."

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[California – Church Headquarters]

Crash!

A porcelain cup flew past the priest’s ear, shattering against the wall. He froze in place, sweat forming on his temple.

"What do you mean Helen is kidnapped?" Ava’s voice was sharp, her eyes glowing with restrained fury.

The priest bowed his head quickly. "H-High Priest... we were stationed in the audience and even backstage, but for a short time, we all lost consciousness. That’s when she—"

He stopped mid-sentence as Ava’s expression turned darker.

"Get out," she said, pointing to the door. "And don’t return until you’ve found where they took her."

The priest scrambled out, shutting the door behind him. Silence followed—tense, cold.

Ava turned toward the sofa where her sister, Carter, sat cross-legged, tapping her temple.

"So," Ava said coolly. "Did you find anything about them, Carter?"

Carter gave a tired sigh, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You know, with how good you are at faking that calm face, I swear your real career should’ve been acting."

Ava shot her a cold glare.

Gulping, Carter sat up straighter. "Right, sorry. Yes, I’ve already tracked them. I picked up their trail right after they snatched Helen."

Ava’s expression softened slightly. "Good. Then—"

"But, sister..." Carter interrupted, her tone more hesitant.

Ava narrowed her eyes. "Hmm? What is it?"

Carter’s voice cut through the silence."Do you really have to use Helen as bait?"

Ava didn’t answer at first. She stood near the window, her gaze fixed on the night sky, stars gleaming faintly above the city lights.

"I don’t want to," she finally said, her tone low. "But their killings are getting worse. They’re not just targeting our agents anymore. They’re even killing priests—people who don’t even know about the supernatural world."

Carter groaned, running a hand down her face. "But still... she’s our sister, Ava. What if something happens to her? I can’t even imagine what Mom would do if we lose her."

Ava turned, her expression unreadable but eyes firm."Nothing will happen. I’m going personally."

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Lilith POV:

My eyes widened as I stepped into the chamber—rows of cages stretched out before me, filled with injured humans bound in chains.

"W-What is this place..." I murmured, walking up to one of the cages. Seeing their hollow eyes and broken expressions, I pressed a hand to my chin.

These people... they’re already broken.

A sudden, burning stench filled my nose, and I instinctively covered it with my sleeve.

"Grace, start freeing them—I’ll find out where this smell is coming from."

I turned to go, but stopped when Grace grabbed my wrist. I raised a brow at her, confused.

"What is it?" freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

Her face remained expressionless, but her voice was cold and tight.

"Lilith... what if Zara is one of them? What if she’s caged here too?"

My heart clenched at her words. Without another thought, I took off running, checking cage after cage, my pulse racing with every step.

After what felt like half an hour, I exhaled in relief.

"No... no, Zara isn’t here."

But just as I turned to continue forward, my gaze landed on a figure sitting alone.

A woman—with long black hair, watching me silently.

Tension climbed up my spine as I cautiously stepped closer.

"Who are you?" I asked, eyes narrowing.

The woman stood up slowly, lifting her hand toward me. My breath caught as I saw it—burnt, blackened chains fused into her skin, still smoldering faintly.

So that’s where the stench is coming from...

Before I could react, my eyes widened in horror.

I couldn’t move.

I gritted my teeth, trying to force my body to respond, but it was no use. It was like invisible weights held me down. Even pouring all my strength into resisting... nothing.

The woman walked toward me, her movements slow, her eyes empty—dull, like the last flicker of sanity had long since left her.

"Ughhh—"

In a blink, she vanished.

Then, like a nightmare come to life, she appeared right in front of me, her burned hand gripping my neck with terrifying strength.

"W-Where is my love?" she growled, her voice broken with obsession. "Where did that bitch take her? Tell me—where did she take Zara?"

The name hit me like a slap.

My eyes widened.

"D-Did Zara... was she here?"

She tilted her head at me, eyes hollow, like I’d just spoken nonsense.

"My love will remain here with me," she said slowly, as if explaining to a child. "Where could she possibly go?"

I clenched my fists, rage boiling up."Love? Are you stupid? She’s my wife. Cut the bullshit and tell me where she is!"

Her breath hitched. Her chest began rising and falling rapidly as her face twisted with rage.

"So..." she hissed through gritted teeth, her voice breaking. "So you’re the bitch—the one she remembers?!"

A scream ripped from her throat.

"I’ll kill you!"

A/N: Dear lovely readers,

It seems this novel’s journey may come to an end here.

Reason 1: I initially started writing this story to help cover my university fees. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and I hoped this novel would support me financially while allowing me to share a story I care about. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out that way.

Reason 2: I’ve decided to begin a new novel—one I want to pour my full energy and focus into. To give it my best, I need to step away from this project.

Thank you so much to everyone who supported this story. It means more than you know.

— With love,

( Nah, I change my mind) ("--")

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