Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 373

Chapter 373

“Jade?” Ethan’s voice cut through the silence of his bedroom as he bolted upright, his heart pounding against his ribs. The nightmare that had jolted him awake still clung to the edges of his consciousness, but something far more terrifying had replaced it–the empty space beside him where Jade should have been.

He scrambled out of bed, not bothering with slippers as his bare feet hit the cold floor. Still in his pajamas, he rushed toward the door, stumbling as fatigue weighed down his limbs.

Had Night come for her? Had his nightmare become reality? The same panic and despair that had crushed him in his dream now materialized in the waking world, threatening to suffocate him.

As he reached the doorway, Ethan noticed the talisman that had been affixed to the doorframe now lay crumpled on the floor. It hadn’t fallen naturally or been blown down–someone had deliberately torn it off. His eyes widened, but his mind couldn’t process what this might mean. There was no time for analysis. He needed to find Jade.

Ethan hurried into the hallway, his breathing audible in the mansion’s oppressive silence. The building had always been quiet, but now even his footsteps seemed invasive against the stillness. Looking down the corridor, he noticed that every protective charm had been ripped down and discarded.

Was it her? Had she woken up?

His pace quickened until he was nearly running, cursing the size of the mansion that made finding someone so time–consuming. Why had he ever thought a house this big was necessary?

Just as panic threatened to overtake him completely, Ethan spotted a slender figure slowly ascending the staircase at the end of the hallway. His breath caught in his throat.

It was her–the person he’d been frantically searching for.

Ethan froze, his entire body rigid with anticipation and fear. The distance between them made it difficult to read her expression, but he could feel her familiar presence. That damned nightmare had come at the worst possible time, making him hesitant to approach her. Was it really still Jade? Her quiet demeanor and the way she simply stood there, watching him, amplified his uncertainty.

His heart hammered so violently he thought it might burst from his chest.

Finally, she broke the silence.

“Awake,” she said casually, hands tucked into her pockets as if she’d just gotten up from a regular night’s sleep.

The familiar tone of her voice released something in Ethan. The tension drained from his body, and he could breathe again. It was her! The nightmare hadn’t come true. Her soul remained intact within her body. She was awake and still here.

His previously hesitant steps became determined strides as he rushed toward her. She took two steps forward to meet him.

When he reached her, Ethan enveloped Jade in a fierce embrace, pulling her tightly against him. He couldn’t speak, could only hold her close, savoring the solidity of her presence.

“…You’re finally awake,” he managed, his voice trembling.

“Mm,” she confirmed.

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11:41 Wed, Oct 8

Chapter 373

As he’d moved toward her, Jade had taken her hands from her pockets. When he embraced her, she returned the gesture, her arms wrapping around him.

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All of Ethan’s anxiety, fear, and helplessness vanished in that moment, replaced by overwhelming joy and excitement. Though he had seen her every day, their reunion felt profound–one conscious, one asleep, now both present again.

His embrace tightened, his strength nearly crushing as he tried to pull her impossibly closer, as if he could merge her into himself. Jade’s face pressed against his shoulder, her breathing restricted by his powerful hold.

“You’re hurting me,” she mumbled against his shoulder,

Reluctantly, Ethan loosened his grip slightly, though he couldn’t bring himself to let go completely. They stood embracing in the hallway for what felt like an eternity. Without realizing it, his arms had tightened around her again, half his weight leaning on her smaller frame. Jade’s back arched uncomfortably, but she didn’t complain further.

Eventually, he calmed enough to speak coherently, though his heartbeat remained erratic.

“…Where did you go?” he asked, nuzzling against her temple.

“Just walking around. Been lying down too long, needed to move.”

“Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“You were sleeping deeply. Didn’t want to disturb you.”

“You should have woken me.” His tone carried a hint of emotion.

He’d wanted to see her immediately. The nightmares had been relentless. “Why didn’t you wake me?” he repeated.

“I thought you… you scared me,” he admitted, the remnants of fear still lingering.

Unable to be genuinely upset with her, Ethan added, “I must have been sleeping too deeply. I didn’t even notice you waking up.”

Damn it, he shouldn’t have slept at all.

Jade didn’t respond immediately. After a moment, she said, “I just went outside. It’s cold out there.”

“You must have been freezing,” Ethan murmured, holding her tighter to share his warmth.

“You’re warm,” she replied simply.

Ethan smiled, taking her words as affection. Happiness surged through him as he lifted her off the ground until they were eye–to–eye, then leaned in to kiss her.

Jade covered his mouth with her hand.

She raised an eyebrow, “Maybe brush your teeth first?”

He hadn’t even put on shoes, let alone brushed his teeth. Ethan removed her hand and kissed her anyway, pouring months of helplessness, fear, and love into that single connection. There were no complaints, only unspoken devotion.

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11:41 Wed, Oct 8

Chapter 373

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Jade’s hands, which had been resting on his shoulders, gradually moved to encircle his neck. Her response conveyed everything–she’d missed him too, she sympathized with his suffering. Her direct, understated manner of expression was answering him now.

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