Chapter 225: Trapped in Shadows

Zande watched the tortured look on Jacob’s face, her frustration building as she tried to ease his torment. She wished she could somehow unravel the mystery of who Olivera was and lift the burden that seemed to weigh so heavily on him. The questions surrounding Olivera gnawed at her, and her curiosity began to grow. Could this woman have been someone from Jacob's past? A lover, perhaps? The thought sent a sudden pang of jealousy through her, unexpected but undeniable. Before she could fully process the feeling, her mind rushed back to the memory of the ritual Jacob had performed the first time he took her blood. He had promised her forever then. They were bound, connected in a way that transcended mere physical affection. She reminded herself of that bond, hoping it was enough to still the irrational fears creeping into her heart. But the idea of Jacob choosing someone else, even from his past, over her left her feeling uneasy. For a fleeting moment, Zande considered asking Jacob to