Bonds at War: The Virgin is Mine Novel

Chapter 108 Almost There ARDEN Lunch was surprisingly warm . We sat around the long wooden dining table , the air filled with the comforting clatter of utensils and the occasional burst of laughter . The enticing scent of roasted herbs and garlic butter wafted from the dishes Mirage and Nathan had prepared . It felt like family . Honey sat beside me , eating mashed potatoes with both hands and occasionally talking to her plate . Mirage kept offering everyone more bread rolls , while Nathan teased Cade for something he muttered under his breath .

Even Bethany , who always seemed to carry a quier tension wherever she went , wore a faint smile , her body relaxed as she cradled a cup of warm Tea It was light . In that moment , I realized how different this gathering was from every meal I'd ever had with my own family . Back home , silence loomed heavier than any meal . My parents . scrutinized what I ate , how I held my fork , and whether I truly deserved to be at the table at all . Here , Cade placed a few slices of grilled chicken on my plate , his fork moving like it was second nature .

" You should eat more , " he said casually , " so you can keep your energy up . You slept in the bathtub right after- " I quickly shoved a spoonful of vegetables into his mouth before he could finish that sentence , glaring at him with wide cycs . " Don't . " He chuckled , his eyes crinkling with mischief as he chewed and finally swallowed . " Noted . " Nathan laughed . " She's already got you in check , son . " Honey giggled . " Cade is her boyfriend ! " " We already know it's normal , sweetie , " Mirage said , smiling at me .

" Don't be embarrassed ." My cheeks flushed as they laughed at the two of us . Meanwhile , Bethany glanced at me with a knowing smile . 5 0 OTM N 1/5 Chapter 108 Almost There At that moment , their earlier insinuation resurfaced in my mind . We look alike ? .83 % [ 0 ] X +10 Free Coins I guess we did share some similarities . For a fleeting moment , I wondered if she could be my mo No. I shook the thought away , stabbing a carrot on my plate a little harder than necessary . I shouldn't be thinking things like that . There was no way that could happen ... right ?

A soft jingle from the living room broke the mood . The television had been left on , the volume low - just enough to catch the reporter's voice cutting through our conversation . " ... and with the Practor elections approaching in Fenra , preliminary polling numbers have just been released , " the news anchor reported . All heads turned toward the screen . On it , a digital graphic displayed the candidates for the upcoming Practor race . Cade's photo appeared prominently , and I couldn't help but smile . Compared to the other candidates , he looked significantly better .

Or maybe I am just being biased . No , it's because Cade is really handsome . " There are currently two standout figures leading the candidacy ," the reporter continued . " At 55 % approval , Mr. Allen Winters , the interim Head of Elite Order Academy , is currently leading the polls . " Mirage tensed slightly . Bethany's fingers curled tightly around her cup . I focused on the screen as the camera shifted to show Winters at a recent press conference .

" And just below him , " the reporter added , " with a strong surge in the past day at 35 % , is Cade Callahan , a young leader with strong Northern support and a former Elite top rank . " I couldn't help but gasp . Cade ? Cade was the top two candidate ? 2/5 5 OPT M 16:00 Tue : Aug 5 GOG . D X +10 Free Coins Chapter 108 Almost There A hush fell over the table as the numbers lingered on the screen . 55 % to 35 % Twenty percent didn't seem far . " Woah , " I breathed . Turning to Cade , my fork hovered in midair , forgotten . " How did that happen ? " He didn't respond right away .

His lips were pursed , eyes on the screen , yet there was a faint lift to his brow - like even he hadn't anticipated it , too . The room was silent until Mirage reached for the remote , turning up the volume . We all leaned in as the newscaster transitioned into post - poll interviews . " For Allen Winters , the lead candidate , " the reporter began , " the reasons voters cited were primarily centered around stability and tradition . Many believe that , as the long - time headmaster of Elite Order Academy , he has earned his place .

Parents especially value his influence on Fenra's most elite institution . " Footage played of a few interviews - well - dressed parents outside the Academy gates . " He's strong . He's kept Elite running for generations , " one mother declared confidently . " He'll ensure my children get in ," a father added . " He represents excellence . " My stomach twisted at that . Of course they supported him . He'd built an entire empire on exclusivity and favor . He knew how to market power . The next segment shifted focus , the contrast immediate .

" And for rising candidate Cade Callahan , " the reporter continued , " support comes largely from the youth population - students , young Alphas and Lunas , and wolves across Fenra who believe it's time for change . " Clips began to roll of younger people being interviewed in parks , campus lounges , and northern villages . " He listens . He's not afraid to challenge the system ," one young woman said , her hoodie pulled over her braid . " It's time someone who actually understands what we're going through steps up , " another added . C 0 5 N 3/5 16:00 Tue Aug 5 GDG .

X # 10 Free Coin Chapter 108 Almost There Then the footage shifted to a reporter speaking to a small group outside an outpost . " You don't mind that he's adopted ? " the reporter asked , clearly trying to stir the pot . " That he lied about having royal Alpha bloodline ? " A young man tilted his head , then shot the reporter a look that could've melted ice . " We're nearing the 22nd century . Why is that still a big deal ? It's not like he lied . He is the Callahan's son - just not by blood . " The camera caught several nods of agreement . " Let his actions speak . Not his bloodline .

" Something in me lit up . They weren't following Cade because of some polished image or legacy . They were choosing him because of who he was . And he held 35 % . When the news segment cut to weather updates , the room felt as if it exhaled . We all turned to Cade , then .... to Bethany . Nathan set his mug down , his eyes twinkling behind his calm expression . " This is most likely because of Bethany's support , " he said . " A lot of people respect you , and the fact that someone like you backed him speaks volumes about his character .

" Bethany tilted her head slightly , but she didn't deny it . " I just gave a statement ," she said simply . " Nothing grand . Just the truth . It's because of Cade's reputation in the North . I believe your people trust him very much ." " It's because of both of those reasons , " Mirage added , rubbing her hands together . "A few days ago , with the tentative candidates , Winters had around 80 % of the votes . Now , with less than a month left , the tides are changing ." " We have 35 % ," I echoed softly . Cade leaned back in his chair , rubbing the back of his neck , appearing bashful .

" It's more than I expected . " " It's more than anyone expected , " Nathan agreed . " But it's still less than what Let's work harder so you can surpass him in the polls . " you deserve . I looked around the table , a strange warmth blooming in my chest . OTMN Σ 4/5 16:00 Tue , Aug 5 GDG 170 回 х Chapter 108 Almost There 10 Free Coins " Cade win ? " Honey asked suddenly , her voice hopeful as she looked up from her now - empty plate . Cade looked at her and smiled . He lifted his hand and ruffled her hair sweetly . " Almost , " he said , reaching out to tuck a curl behind her ear . " Almost .

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