Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 240

Carissa pulled the child from Rafael's arms and held him tightly to her chest.

It was heartbreaking to see that the boy was nothing but skin and bones. A foul odor emanated from him-a mixture of decay, filth, and possibly old blood. His hair clung in matted clumps, adding to the overall stench.

Yet, Carissa embraced him as if he were the most precious treasure in the world, her tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.

The child, now in her arms, ceased his struggles. He lay still, like a broken doll, his tears streaking through the grime on his face, creating yellowish trails. Gone was the fierce resistance he had shown Rafael. Now, the boy seemed lifeless, his eyes staring blankly despite the tears.

Seeing this, Rafael's long-held anxiety eased as he confirmed that the child was indeed of the Sinclair bloodline. It was a relief to know that a trace of the Sinclair family remained, though Rafael was puzzled about how Ryan had ended up in the hands of traffickers after escaping.

During the time he had been with Ryan, Rafael had tried in vain to glean any information from him. The child had been rendered mute by poison and was highly agitated, reacting violently to anyone who came near him. Initially, Ryan had responded when Rafael called his name, but as time went on, he seemed to lose recognition and remained either unresponsive or frenzied.

about the child's origins. possibly

while, Carissa gently released Ryan, who clung desperately to her wrist. His long, dark nails dug into her skin, almost drawing blood. His gaze never left Carissa's face. When he saw the slingshot, his tears flowed even more freely.

from crying as her trembling hands gently

said to Rafael, "Your Highness, could you please get a set of clothes and shoes for him? Are there servants here? Have someone prepare hot water

stay with him for a while," the prince replied, his voice strained and

turned and left, Ryan continued to cling to Carissa's hand. She carried the boy into the room, sat down in a chair, and took out

flowing freely, she spoke softly, "Ryan, it's Aunt Carissa. I'm here, don't be afraid. You don't

wide and cried silently. He cried so hard he struggled to catch his breath. His tears seemed endless, turning his face even more smeared. It was as if all his suffering and grievances from the past two years had finally found an outlet, and the tears wouldn't

himself into unconsciousness, collapsing in

but the child was uncooperative. After he was forcefully held down, they discovered that Ryan

physician administered some acupuncture treatment, Ryan did not wake but began to snore softly. The exhausted boy had been sleeping fitfully, and was now finally in a deep

physician assured Carissa that Ryan was only sleeping, which relieved her. She