Return of the Crowned Heiress

Yet, in that dangerous moment, Stephan hadn't abandoned Felicia. Instead, he had held her tightly, shielding her!

As the current swept them along, she heard him grunt in pain several times, along with the sound of heavy thudding. It suddenly struck her-maybe this powerful man wasn't as cold-hearted as he seemed.

Her gaze softened with concern. "Mr. Russell, are you alright? Should I check your injuries?"

He glanced around, his expression unreadable. "Do you know where we are?"

She shook her head. "Not really."

She had spent some years in Alverton but was too young to explore every corner of the mountain. Now, surrounded by dark trees with no identifiable landmarks, it was impossible to tell their location. And as for their phones-those had been swept away long ago. "Let's find a place to spend the night."

Felicia agreed. The search could wait until morning; she was sure the villagers wouldn't abandon her

At this rate, they risked hypothermia-they needed to find shelter and

when she glanced back. She understood immediately, feeling a pang of guilt. He

she lifted one of his arms and slung it over

she added, "But this time, no

of his weight rest on her, chuckling at her words. "Still holding a grudge, are we? I thought you would be grateful to the

unwilling to finish the thought-that night, someone had been

in the distance. "Look! There's a little hut over there!"

it was an abandoned shack, probably built by hunters. It was tiny and hastily made, looking almost ready to collapse. Still, they were lucky to have

inspected the door; the lock was rusted. A few taps with a rock, and it fell open. Inside, there was dust, cobwebs, and even a few