Her Purpose || Kai Parker

Chapter 73

As Anthony and Estrella prepared for her jump through the portal, she bundled herself in winter clothes, ready to face the unknown.

They stood on the outskirts of Whitmore, where the ominous eclipse hung overhead, casting long shadows across the ground.

The air was thick with anticipation, and Estrella could feel her heart pounding in her chest.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes, trying to steady herself as Anthony began chanting the spell.

She focused on the warmth of her clothes and the sound of Anthony's voice, letting it guide her through the swirling energy that surrounded them.

In an instant, everything changed. Estrella felt a rush of cold air as she was pulled through the portal.

When she opened her eyes, she found herself in 1903, standing in a chilling landscape blanketed in snow.

The cold was sharp and unforgiving, biting at her skin and seeping through her layers of clothing.

She took in the desolate surroundings, the stark white of the snow contrasting with the dark, leafless trees that stood like sentinels around her.

Her breath formed clouds in the frigid air as she tried to get her bearings.

Without wasting any time, she hurried to the Salvatore house, knowing that's where Kai would be.

The house stood eerily silent, its oppressive stillness unnerving her.

Quickly, she unfolded the map she had brought with her, marked with the location of Nova Scotia with a message about Qetsiyah's blood.

As Estrella surveyed the room, the faint sound of footsteps echoed through the house, causing her heart to race.

She turned around, and her breath caught in her throat.

Kai stood there, his eyes bloodshot and glassy from drinking, his body marked with fresh bite marks.

A wave of worry surged through her as she took in his disheveled appearance.

Without acknowledging her presence, he collapsed into a nearby chair, looking utterly defeated.

With unsteady hands, he pulled something from his pocket-a crumpled black and white photo of her.

His fingers gently traced the edges of the image as tears began to stream down his face.

In a voice that was barely more than a whisper, he spoke to the photo, his words heavy with sorrow. "I miss you so much, pumpkin. Every day is hell without you."

Estrella's eyes filled with tears, her heart breaking at the sight of him so vulnerable.

She approached him slowly, her steps hesitant yet determined. "I miss you too, baby," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

He gently untangled the pumpkin necklace she had given him from his hand, the delicate chain slipping through his fingers.

She hadn't noticed it before, but now, as he held it between them, she saw the way his eyes softened as he admired it.

His thumb traced the small charm with tender care, as if the necklace held the weight of a thousand unspoken words.

His gaze lingered on the pendant for a moment before he brought it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to the cool metal.

"I am so sorry," he murmured, his voice thick with regret.

As Estrella knelt in front of him, she reached out to touch his hand, hoping to offer some comfort.