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."

morning; she was sure the villagers wouldn't

shivering as the cold wind hit her wet clothes. At this rate, they risked hypothermia-they needed to

she started down the path on her left, but Stephan hadn't moved from his spot when she glanced back. She understood immediately, feeling a pang of guilt. He must be badly hurt, especially after taking all those hits in the water

lifted one of his arms and slung it over her shoulder.

time,

we? I thought you would be grateful to the person who saved

the thought-that night, someone had been burning with desire,

distance. "Look! There's a little hut over there!" Sometimes, forest rangers had cabins out here, allowing them

drew closer, they realized it was an abandoned shack, probably built by hunters. It was tiny and hastily made, looking almost ready to collapse. Still,

lock was rusted. A few taps with a rock, and