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."

letting out a small sigh. "When I said I was proud of you, I

but there was something sharp in it—a mixture

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 stirred in him. He had asked

too

study, his steps quickened, the heavy emotions of the previous moments forgotten in an instant. Excitement surged

almost 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 gaze instantly softened, and

toward her, ignoring the guards at the gates, and pulled her into his arms with

easily, but she had

she had been lost in the crowd, unable to reach

holding her, she felt his waist had become slimmer, a sign of hunger. The thought of

eyes, and soon, the sobs began to

him. Rafael held her tighter, as if

I'm safe now." His