259 The Lioness Tamed: A Promise Fulfilled (2)

Helia's heart was shattered into a million pieces as she watched Rio disappear into the swarm of crows.

She had lost the boy, the only person who had shown her kindness and understanding in this cruel world even when she was not nice to him. Tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision as she stumbled onto the ground.

As she struggled to catch her breath, a faint smile from Rio flashed in her mind, reminding her of the good times they had shared together even if they had a bitter foundation. The memory of his smile only intensified the pain she felt in her chest.

"Riooooo!!"

As she knelt on the ground, Helia's cries reverberated through the forest, a mournful sound that seemed to pierce the very heart of the darkness surrounding her. Her tears flowed like a river, streaming down her face and mixing with the dirt on the ground as she pounded it with her fists as if trying to break through to reduce the pain she was feeling in her wounded heart.