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."

search could wait until morning; she was sure the

her wet clothes. At this rate, they risked hypothermia-they needed to find shelter

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

slung it over her shoulder. "Here.

"But this time, no

words. "Still holding a grudge, are we? I thought you would

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

moonlit 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 out here, allowing them to

as they 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, they were lucky to have even this bit of shelter in the

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