Return of the Crowned Heiress

Felicia acted as if she had no idea of her precarious situation, carrying herself like a guest of honor in the Glover estate. She demanded the best food and drink every day, directing the staff with an air of entitlement. Beyond that, she frequently mentioned her plans to return to Khogend once Maurice's legs were healed, dropping casual remarks that made her optimism clear.

Even Maurice's men, tasked with shadowing her under the guise of assisting, found her naiveté amusing.

Did she really think she could walk out of Maurice's lair unscathed?

Of course, they all played along until Maurice's legs were fully restored. No one would tip their hand or reveal the fangs waiting beneath.

...

Meanwhile, back in Khogend, it was the third day since Felicia had disappeared.

Carmen was at her wits' end, her lips cracked and dry from stress.

Three days ago, she'd been hiking and laughing with Felicia, only to have their descent interrupted by an ambush.

amateurs-they came prepared, and they came

her away, insisting she'd only be

was trying to protect her, and with no time

behind. The trail had been wiped clean, and every surveillance camera along the way had

longer Felicia remained missing, the more

the abduction, her mind plagued by nightmarish scenarios of what might be happening to Felicia. Visions of Felicia being hurt, tortured, or worse-her life cut short-made Carmen's face pale. She shook her head furiously, trying to

had to be someone

her. Then,

her. She could get help from the Fuller family since Felicia was still their daughter, no matter the estrangement. Surely, her biological parents

for the door. But as soon as she opened it, she was

apartment and Felicia's. He was relentless,

presence made Carmen's blood boil, especially since he'd started harassing Felicia as well, even though she

lost, or I swear I'll kill you!" Carmen snapped, storming back inside to grab a kitchen knife. She returned, blade in