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Chapter 26 - Chapter 26 - Lina's Turmoil

As the night slowly crept by, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the coming day. Friday was just around the corner and I had saved a tantalizing novel on my app to read during the short hours of darkness. But as I delved into the pages, I found myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, mirroring the character's own struggles. Mr. Lowell's sudden change from passionate lover to indifferent acquaintance left me reeling, and I anxiously waited for any word from him.

But as I dove deeper into the story, I found myself completely immersed in a fantastical world unlike anything I had ever read before. It was a place where vampires and werewolves were not just mythical creatures, but real beings with their own desires and needs, and they didn't only lust for blood. And to my surprise, other magical creatures such as fairies and dragons also inhabited this world, coexisting with humans who remained unaware of their existence.

Despite the fact that this world went against everything I knew and believed in, I couldn't help but be drawn in by its irresistible charm. I yearned for someone who desired me so fiercely that they couldn't imagine living without me, someone who would face their feelings head-on instead of running away.

I eagerly devoured the pages of my book, completely engrossed in the story of the two main characters and their powerful mate bond. My heart swelled with emotion as he proudly declared her as his mate after her first shift. Despite their initial conflict, all other matters seemed to fade away in the face of their newfound connection.

I couldn't help but wonder if Melissa and the others understood the true significance of the word "mate" that was used so frequently in the story. Was it just a trendy slang term or did it hold a deeper meaning?

As I delved deeper into the novel, I became lost in a world where anything was possible. The words on the page came alive in my mind, painting vivid images of vampires and werewolves with their ethereal beauty. In my dreamlike state, I saw myself and my flatmates as characters in the story, playing out scenes alongside Mr. Lowell.

Before long, exhaustion overtook me and I drifted off to sleep, still immersed in the fantastical world of my book. In my dreams, I ran with a wolf through dark forests and soared above mountaintops, feeling a sense of wild freedom mingled with a hint of danger in its bright yellow eyes.

As I slowly woke up to the incessant beep of our alarm, I felt a sense of renewed hope. The world outside my window seemed brighter, as if the events of the previous night had lifted a weight off my shoulders. I groggily rubbed my eyes and sat up, feeling the exhaustion from staying up late to finish the novel that had captivated me. I knew I would need some coffee before getting ready for the day, especially since Melissa had just returned home. Was she back to her old ways? I couldn't help but feel disappointed, knowing that Melissa was better when she was centered.

"How was your night?" I asked politely, not wanting to pry too much into Melissa's personal life.

Melissa blushed deeply, "It was fine."

Curiosity got the best of me and I asked, "What have you been up to lately?"

"I'm dating Leon now," Melissa replied shyly, as if still trying to process the information herself.

My jaw dropped in shock. Melissa had never been serious with a guy before. Thoughts from the novel I had read last night flooded my mind and I couldn't resist asking, "So is he the one? Is he the mate you've been looking for?"

Melissa's expression turned bittersweet as she answered, "I honestly don't know."

I knew I had to be careful with my words, not wanting to further sadden Melissa. I changed the subject by suggesting we grab breakfast or a snack before going back to bed. I quickly whipped up some French toast and we chatted about our past few days. Eventually, our conversation turned to Joy and Sara.

Suddenly, it hit me that I needed to warn Melissa. "Be careful around the house for a little while," I said somberly.

Melissa looked confused but listened intently as I continued, "Joy's brother, Joey, is visiting and he snuck in on me while I was in the shower."

I was too caught up in recounting my terrible encounter to notice the surprise on Melissa's face. Before I could say anything else, Sara appeared next to her and stuffed her mouth with a piece of toast.

"Lina, it's not like you to spread rumors," Sara scolded.

"I'm not!" I defended myself. "I'm just warning Melissa about what's going on. He even had Joy's clothes on."

Sara gave Melissa and me a warning look. "Just be nice for now and try to get along with Joey." Melissa leisurely chewed on her toast while I pouted. I decided I would leave him be for the moment, but I hoped he would not turn out to be how I suspected him to be.

It was so like Sara to stand up for others. Why was she being so stubborn about whatever argument she had with Joy? I just couldn't find an explanation.