Fated To Not Just One But Three novel Chapter 457

Chapter 457: The Ritual

Levi’s POV

"Fine," I said quietly, my chest tight. "Let’s do it."

Louis looked at me sharply, his eyes wide. "Levi, are you serious? If Olivia finds out?"

"She’ll hate us," I finished for him. "Yeah, I know. But I’d rather she hate me and live... than die loving him."

Louis didn’t speak. He just looked away, his jaw clenched.

The sorcerer nodded slightly, stepping closer. "Where is she?"

"She’s asleep," Louis said.

"Good," the sorcerer replied. "Then we keep her that way until the ritual is done."

He reached into his robe and pulled out a small glass vial filled with golden liquid. It shimmered faintly under the light.

"What’s that?" I asked, the sweet smell already filling the air.

"A sleeping charm," he said calmly. "Strong, but harmless. You must drink it first. Once it’s in your system, go to her and wake her gently. Kiss her. When she tastes the charm on your lips, it will take effect. She will fall into a deep sleep, long enough for us to draw her blood and perform the ritual."

My stomach turned. "You want me to drug her with a kiss?"

The sorcerer’s eyes stayed cold. "It’s the safest way. The bond trusts the touch of a mate. Any other attempt will wake her, and then she’ll fight us. And if she fights, the ritual fails."

I hesitated, staring at the vial. The scent was sweet, like honey and crushed flowers.

Louis’s hand brushed my arm. "You don’t have to."

"I have to," I cut him off. "Lennox would have wanted this."

I took the vial and drank. The taste lingered, sweet and warm, almost comforting.

"Now," the sorcerer said softly, "go."

The halls were quiet as I walked back to my room. The sound of my heartbeat filled my ears.

When I pushed open the door, the candlelight flickered faintly across her face.

Olivia lay still, curled on her side, her hand clutching the blanket near her chest. She looked peaceful for once, but even in sleep, faint tear tracks glistened on her cheeks.

I sat beside her and brushed my thumb along her jaw. "Olivia," I whispered.

Her lashes fluttered. Slowly, her eyes opened, soft, tired, and full of worry. "Levi?" she murmured. "How... how is Lennox?"

I swallowed hard, forcing my voice steady. "He’s fine," I said. "He’s still fighting. You need to rest, okay?"

She nodded weakly, though her gaze searched mine. "You promise he’s okay?"

I smiled faintly, even though it hurt. "I promise."

She exhaled shakily, her lips trembling. "I just... want to see him again."

"I know," I whispered, leaning closer. "And you will. But not tonight."

For a moment, we just stared at each other. Her eyes softened, and I could see the trust there, the blind, innocent trust that cut deeper than any blade.

I cupped her face gently and leaned down. My lips brushed hers, warm and trembling.

At first, she kissed me back, slow and tender, like she was saying thank you without words.

Then I felt her body relax, the tension melting away.

Her breathing slowed.

Her hand, which had been gripping my arm, slipped weakly to the bed.

Her eyelids fluttered, then closed completely.

I pulled back slowly, my chest heavy. "I’m sorry," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Forgive me for this."

I turned toward the door. "She’s asleep," I said quietly.

The sorcerer entered with two healers. He set a silver bowl on the table beside her and nodded once. "We’ll take what we need now."

Louis stood in the doorway, his face pale and drawn. His voice shook. "Levi, she’ll hate us."

I looked at Olivia one last time. Her face was peaceful, unaware of what we were about to do.

"I know," I said softly. "But if this saves her, it’s worth it."

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