To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 279

Quincy Shelton paused, processing the question before replying, “I’ve asked everyone in the village. The story’s the same all around—everyone says she was found outside the village when she was twelve. The forensics lab is still trying to extract DNA from the ashes, but there’s no clear result yet.”

Zane’s eyes darkened, but he said nothing.

Quincy shifted, his tone cautious as he tested the waters. “Sir, the doctor called again today. He said if your hormones remain out of balance, it could have lasting effects. If you don’t want to get emotionally involved, I can make arrangements—a discreet, clean, and safe young woman, and no one has to know. You can’t keep ignoring your health like this.”

Zane turned to look out the window, the sharp lines of his profile tense and unreadable. “You really do think of everything, don’t you?”

Quincy couldn’t tell what lay behind those words, so he took it as approval. “I’ll take care of it, then.”

——

The next day, Elara’s strength had returned to her legs.

She’d heard Hayden Everly was meeting some old friends at a bar that evening, so after work, she decided to head over as well.

He’d texted her the private room number—Suite 606 in the E section—but when she reached the door, she frowned at the sign that had slipped halfway off.

Was this 606 or 909?

She pushed the door open a crack and peeked inside.

Dim lighting softened the edges of the room. Three men in sharp suits lounged on velvet sofas.

Zane sat alone near the center, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His cold, striking features seemed even more distant amidst the bar’s clamor and glitter.

The bar manager was leaning in, quietly introducing a girl standing beside him.

“She’s been trained for two months—first night on the job, totally clean, and knows how to behave. I guarantee you’ll have a good time tonight, sir…”

So this is the kind of man he is.

Elara froze, startled, and in that moment, Zane looked up and met her eyes.

His brow knitted instantly.

Quincy Shelton, noticing the change in his boss’s expression, followed his gaze. His heart dropped and he quickly interrupted the manager, “Take her out. Settle the fee as agreed.”

The manager paused, then turned and saw Elara standing at the door.

Elara snapped back to herself, quickly murmured, “Sorry, wrong room,” and closed the door behind her.

Elara glanced worriedly at another suite marked 606 down the hall, hesitated, then let him lead her to a quiet corner.

“I’ve thought it over,” Horace said gently. “Your response to hypnosis is unusually strong. That might be linked to PTSD with dissociative features. I’d suggest we focus on trauma therapy first. Once you’re more stable, hypnosis will be more effective.”

Elara listened carefully, then smiled. “Thank you for your concern, Dr. Morgan, but…”

She paused, as if confirming her own resolve.

“I used to long for my parents’ love, but I’ve survived on my own all these years. I don’t expect anything anymore. I’ll make sure I take care of myself from now on.”

Horace looked at her with quiet respect in his eyes.

He didn’t press her. “I understand. Your strength is more powerful than any treatment I could offer.”

He took out his phone. “Let’s add each other as friends. If you ever change your mind, or just want to talk, I’ll be here.”

Elara didn’t hesitate—they exchanged contact info.

Just as Horace was about to leave, Elara called after him, “Did I interrupt you guys… hiring a girl back there?”