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."

sure the villagers

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

hadn't moved from his spot when she glanced back. She understood immediately, feeling a pang of guilt.

of his arms and slung

added, "But this time, no grabbing me by

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

the thought-that night, someone had been burning

path, stumbling and slipping occasionally until she spotted something in the distance. "Look! There's a little hut over there!" Sometimes, forest rangers had cabins

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

with a rock, and it fell open. Inside, there was dust,