Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 898

Aurora was roughly dragged to her feet, her hands shackled behind her back. When she was slammed to the ground, her face scraped against the sharp stones, drawing a few thin lines of blood.

She first shot a look at Barrett, her eyes filled with nothing but disappointment. Then, her gaze turned to Carissa, sharp and unrelenting. Carissa's official uniform was everything she had ever dreamed of, yet here she was, never even having the chance to touch them, let alone wear them.

Carissa pulled the whip back and stood directly in front of Aurora. The two locked eyes-one pair filled with resentment, the other brimming with unabashed hatred.

For the first time, Carissa's hatred for Aurora was unmasked. Even in front of her parents' memory plaques, Carissa had tempered her feelings, unwilling to let the spirits of her family see her consumed by such hatred.

But now, with everything coming to a head, there was no holding back. The resentment that had festered in Carissa's heart boiled over. Aurora had destroyed her family and dragged her grandfather down with her-this grudge was something she could never forgive.

In the face of such hate, Aurora's jealousy and unwillingness to accept her fate seemed like nothing more than a pale shadow. After just a moment of meeting Carissa's gaze, the weight of the anger was enough to crush her.

She turned her eyes away and glanced at Barrett, this time genuinely seeking help, her expression pleading for mercy.

Earlier, he had purposely let Alistair stop him when in truth,

Ministry of Justice's deputy minister hostage would make the entire ministry's forces step back. He understood Aurora's intentions.

about Fawnrun City. Before that, they had fought side by side, killing enemies together. Their bond was forged in that shared danger, and it had led to moments where their

mission to burn the supply depot in Fawnrun City, Aurora had asked him what he would do if she found herself in mortal danger. He had answered, without hesitation, that he would risk everything

had looked at him earlier, he had felt that same struggle, but his promise still held. No matter the cost, even if it meant losing his title or facing punishment, he was willing to

a slap in the face. While he had kept his promise to Aurora, why hadn't he upheld his vows to

as if

Alistair, who had just stomped on him, face

muttered under his

him, anyone who acted in a despicable manner, regardless of their

Alistair was insulting Aurora. Though they found the words harsh, they knew Alistair's volatile nature, so none

while for Cyrus to

had been just inches from his throat. Had Aurora miscalculated even slightly, the sword would've sliced his neck open. That was a near-death experience. Even if he survived, being taken hostage by Aurora would ruin his position. There was no way he could keep his

an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward Carissa, and bowed deeply to her. "Thank you for saving my life, Commander