Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Connor had endured for three days, a feat that even Sebastian had not anticipated. Given the severity of his injuries, it was highly unlikely that he would survive past the second day, yet he defied expectations and lingered on.

As had been mentioned earlier, his survival meant that the internal bleeding had ceased. Though the journey ahead wasn't ideal, it was their only option. They had to set out.

Over the past three days, Victoria and Salvador had scarcely slept, remaining by Connor's side the entire time.

Connor was only awake for brief moments. When he was, his face was pale from the excruciating pain, leaving him unable to speak. But when he opened his eyes and saw his grandmother and father, it seemed to give him the strength to keep going.

He had no idea how much his determination had moved everyone. For three days, each time he woke, he endured the pain, only to drift back to sleep after the needle treatment. Asleep or awake, the only thing that filled his mind and dreams was pain.

He never said he wanted to die, not once.

But in his heart, he had thought many times that it might be better to die than to keep enduring the endless pain. But each time, he clenched his teeth and willed himself to endure just one more moment. That was how he had survived thus far.

Before Connor and Sebastian left the palace, Rafael and Carissa arrived.

Looking at the gathered faces, Connor weakly uttered a single word of gratitude. He longed to say more, but his body could not allow it, and his voice failed him. He was a frail, shattered figure, with a bandaged head, swollen face, and bloodshot eyes.

Carissa gently took his cold hand, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You must hold on. We will come to see you soon."

Connor struggled to open his eyes to meet his aunt's gaze, wishing he could smile and reassure her that he would endure. But the pain was too great, and a smile was beyond his reach. Every tiny movement sent waves of agony through his body.

turned to Sebastian with tears welling in his eyes. "I entrust Connor to you. I believe you will do everything in your power to

moment, Salvador wasn't speaking to Sebastian as the king of a nation,

with the prescribed treatment, no adjustments should be necessary for the next year. As for the Snowdrop Pills, continue with what you

adding, "Rowan will visit the palace several times a month. Should there be any changes after the medication

Carissa nodded. "Understood."

Having given his instructions,

to look at

gaze filled

compassion. The boy's resolve.

heart, and he

use all his skills and knowledge to

I.ne

would come forth. Not

to part with his own flesh

managed to whisper,

could just barely hear him, and it

voice soft as

You will recover. I will

with his