Chapter 321: Victory or Defeat Astrid's POV

As we neared the dungeon, the cold air wrapped around me like a warning, and my steps faltered.

The weight of what I was about to do settled heavily in my chest, making it hard to breathe.

I was nervous - no, I was scared. Giselle was down there, the woman who had torn our lives apart, and I had to face her alone.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly felt warm air fanning the side of my face. I blinked and turned, only to find Killian standing so close, his face inches from mine.

His breath was warm on my skin, and for a moment, the world narrowed down to just the two of us.

My heart skipped a beat. The closeness, the way he was looking at me—it made me forget, just for a second, about the darkness waiting ahead.

"Astrid," he whispered, his voice soft and full of concern. "Are you sure about this?"

His eyes searched mine, his brow furrowed with worry, and for a brief moment, I wanted to say no.

I wanted to lean into him, let him shield me from everything. He always had a way of making me feel safe.

"I can come with you," he added gently, his fingers brushing against mine, sending a spark of warmth through me.

For a moment, I hesitated. His presence was comforting, but I knew I needed to do this alone.

I needed to face Giselle on my own terms, even if part of me was terrified of what I might find.

I shook my head, offering a small smile. "No," I said softly, trying to steady my voice. "I need to do this by myself."

eyes lingering on mine, as if

hand tightened briefly around mine, a promise in his touch. "I'll be right here," he murmured, his voice

one last look into his

still feel the warmth of him, the

as I walked into the cold,

would be the last time I saw Giselle, the last time

iron door,

Giselle, and I froze. The

always held her head high now sat slumped against the stone

smatted, her dress torn

Her hair was

with dirt. She looked like someone who had been

grandeur stripped away,

of the person

diminished state, a twisted smirk played on her lips, as if she hadn't yet

believed she held

me through the bars, her eyes gleaming with a sick

filled with mockery. "Look who's come to

you could win,

you

you'd get away with it? I told you before, you

dismissed as the ravings of a bitter, defeated woman. I had thought they were empty, but now I

moment, I felt the anger surge in my veins, the reminder of how close she had come to taking

"Ryker is dead, isn't he?" she

beg, to cry at my feet, but it's too late, Astrid. I told you, no one escapes me. Not you,

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