Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1463 Salvador raised his eyes to look at Rafael. The handsome young man before him now seemed weathered by the harsh winds of the Southern Frontier.

A weight pressed against Salvador's chest; a tight, uncomfortable feeling.

He knew how difficult the battle had been-cold, hunger, and the emotional toll that wore down even the strongest spirit. Yet, they had endured and fought with great valor.

But all the while, as they fought bravely at the front lines, Salvador's thoughts had wandered elsewhere- toward Carissa.

Guilt surged in his heart, but with it came something else, something darker. It was something he couldn't suppress, no matter how hard he tried. It left him feeling uneasy, caught in a constant tug-of-war within himself, never quite able to make peace with his own contradictions.

Salvador was clearly concerned for Rafael, yet the words that came out carried a hint of bitterness. "After this battle, I fear all the officials and generals in court will bow to you. The people are with you, and their hopes rest in you. Your risky venture onto the battlefield-going in alone, fighting fiercely-it worked." Then, he added with a smile, "Of course, I am proud of you too."

At this, Rafael's eyes dimmed, the spark in them fading as if something had frozen inside him.

"Tell me more about the battle," Salvador said, sighing softly. He knew he had messed up again, so he changed the topic.

Rafael recounted the battle quickly, his earlier excitement gone. He finished speaking in a matter of moments, his thoughts elsewhere. "I miss my wife. I wish to return home soon."

small sigh. "When I said I was proud

but there was something sharp in it—a mixture of gratitude, resentment, and unspoken

things had been bottled up inside for too long. Rafael wanted to speak his mind, but as he lifted his gaze, he saw Salvador's face had taken on a sickly yellow hue, paler than before. A suspicion

it was too late

quickened, the heavy emotions of the previous moments

certain that Carissa would be waiting for him at the

êt

ut

spotted a familiar figure standing just beyond the gates, craning here neck in search of him. When her eyes met his, her

Rafael's chest, his own throat tightening with emotion. He moved swiftly toward her, ignoring the guards at the

one to cry easily, but

city, she had been lost in the crowd, unable to reach him. But

slimmer, a sign of hunger. The thought of it

the sobs

softly, her body shaking against him. Rafael held her tighter, as if

now." His voice