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A withering flower at devil's mercy

“These bedchambers have missed your scent.” His voice, low and rough, made her pulse quicken. Her fear surged, boundless, as he closed the stained glass doors behind him. “Please… let me go,” she pleaded, trembling as he pulled her close, his touch burning against her skin. “You fled this place while carrying my child. Why did you come back?” he murmured, his lips trailing down her neck as they had so many times before. “I… don’t know,” she managed, her voice barely a whisper. Luciana Mircea de Amanécer, princess of the Holy Empire that ruled the skies, had once lived in a world of beauty and privilege—a devoted father, joyful sisters, wealth, and a loving fiancé. Yet that life shattered with a single conversation. One day, her father appeared in her chambers, eyes solemn, bearing news that upended her world. “You will be married,” he said, but the name wasn’t that of the man she cherished. Instead, she was to be wed to the ruthless crown prince of the rival Demon Empire, an alliance forged to quell the simmering tensions between their kingdoms. “Father, please…” she begged. “My child,” he murmured, his voice heavy with regret. “It is your duty as the firstborn princess. This marriage will protect the realm… and your little sisters.” For the first time in her life, Luciana saw him bow to her, his plea wordless but clear. Yielding to her father’s desperate request, she accepted her fate. In a single day, she went from princess to wife, her dreams abandoned and her future reshaped. But the white wedding gown was soon stained crimson, marking her descent into a life she could never have anticipated. Could she learn to accept a man for whom compassion was an unfamiliar luxury, or would the love she had left behind rise to rescue her?

Akira_Kanesada · Kỳ huyễn
Không đủ số lượng người đọc
140 Chs

Back to Stygian

Crowell—a modest trading town nestled near the western borders of Wahrheit and close to the contested Alaksad territory—buzzed with activity as merchants, travelers, and refugees filled its streets. Mina and her company had stopped here in their quest to uncover the cause of the mysterious carriage incident. They gave their gratitude to the old man for giving them a ride all the way to Crowell and parted ways with him.

Cornelius, still recovering from his injuries, had remained behind at the inn, dedicating his time to searching for any leads on Luciana's whereabouts. His efforts, however, yielded nothing but frustration.

As evening fell, the group convened in Cornelius's room, in an inn where their expressions somber as they reported what little information they had managed to gather. Fragmented and inconclusive, none of their findings offered a clear connection between the events they sought to untangle.

"Let's return to the Stygian Frontier," Mina finally suggested, breaking the tense silence. Her tone was measured, though the resignation in her voice was evident.

Cornelius frowned. "What good would that do?" he snapped, his frustration boiling over. "How would going back there solve anything?"

Mina met his gaze unflinchingly. "Do you have a better option? The Central Capital is in chaos, possibly in ruins. Do you truly believe Lady Luciana would return to such a place? Pray, not a chance."

Her words cut deep, but the logic in them was undeniable. The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances, unwilling to fully accept her reasoning but unable to refute it either. Gradually, they nodded their agreement, their expressions heavy with reluctance.

Meanwhile, Crowell's streets grew more crowded, bustling with refugees fleeing the encroaching war in Wahrheit. The cries of displaced families and the weariness etched on their faces weighed heavily on the group. Even their group barely secured rooms for themselves- luck had bestowed them the luxury for being one of the earliest travellers of the day.

Cornelius clenched his fists, silently conceding that Mina might be right—at least for now.

"We'll set out tomorrow at noon," Mina announced, her tone brooking no argument. She turned to Cornelius. "Think you can manage a ride, big guy?"

Cornelius flexed his arm experimentally, wincing as sharp jolts of pain coursed through his body. The wound had yet to fully heal, and the severed flow of his core energy left him feeling weak and unsteady. Still, he nodded. "I can manage," he muttered, though doubt lingered in his voice.

"Good," Foras said with a grin. "It's not like we're expecting you to win a race. We'll take it slow and easy."

"Stop fretting over trivialities," Ose added, his tone almost teasing. "Honestly, it's surprising how our lady, who trusts us wholeheartedly, has a brother like you."

Cornelius gave a small, reluctant smile. Their words, though lightly mocking, carried an undertone of camaraderie that eased his worries slightly.

By dawn, the group departed Crowell, their path leading back toward the Stygian Frontier. As they rode through the outskirts, Mina prayed silently for Luciana and Erebus, her faith in their safety unwavering despite her mounting fears. She could not have known that this journey would lead to a profound loss—one that would sever her bond with her brother forever.

Their route took them past streams of refugees, their cries of anguish fresh as they mourned loved ones lost to the ravages of war. Beggars pleaded for aid, for food, for hope, but the group could do little but press on, their hearts heavy with guilt.

"Look," Ose said suddenly, pointing toward the southern plains. Black plumes of smoke spiraled into the sky in the distance.

"That's the Southern Bay, isn't it?" Foras asked, his voice tinged with unease. "The place where most of the nobles frequent?"

Ose nodded grimly. "It's also home to the largest trading port in the realm. If that's been hit…"

Cornelius's brow furrowed. "What are you saying?"

"The Southern Bay is the economic lifeline of Wahrheit," Foras explained. "All major trade routes converge there. If the port's destroyed, the realm's already fragile economy could collapse entirely."

"And we commoners will be the first to bear the brunt of it," Ose added bitterly. "The nobles will squeeze every last drop of labor out of us to rebuild their luxuries."

"Then why not join our master?" Mina interjected, her voice sharp.

Ose and Foras exchanged incredulous glances before bursting into laughter, their mirth cutting through the tension like a knife. Mina flushed in embarrassment, her lips pressed into a thin line.

"Suit yourselves," she said coldly, steering her horse ahead of the group. "I was only looking out for you, but it seems goodwill is wasted on some people."

Her words silenced the two soldiers, though a trace of amusement lingered in their eyes. Cornelius, however, remained quiet, observing Mina as she rode ahead. Her unwavering loyalty to Erebus was evident, and despite the doubts and whispers he'd heard about Stygian, he found himself admiring her steadfast resolve.

As the group pressed onward, the distant smoke on the horizon served as a grim reminder of the destruction that lay ahead. The road to the Stygian Frontier promised no easy answers—only more questions, and the ever-looming specter of war.