Liam grinned and gave a respectful bow. "Of course, Your Majesty." Before stepping away, he leaned forward expectantly. "A kiss for luck, my Queen?"
Rosalind’s expression grew serious. "Be cautious out there. We haven’t received any updates recently. I only discovered the matching situation myself. If their spirit collapse readings start dropping..."
"Stop right there," Liam interrupted sharply. "Should their levels fall into safe territory, the sanctuary’s automated systems will unlock the gates. They’ll make their own way back—no need for your concern. For the good of Valerion’s citizens, please weigh your decisions carefully."
The seven n locked in that sanctuary carried dangerously elevated spirit collapse readings. Even at reduced levels, they remained lethal threats. The forr Sterling heir was utterly powerless—not a trace of spiritual energy.
Should the two princes bond with her, it would an catastrophe.
Retrieving them under such conditions would send shockwaves of terror throughout the realm.
That’s precisely why they’d been exiled to Voidferal Feral Territory initially. Only that treacherous landscape could hold them.
A single male beastman with collapsed SSS-grade spiritual power was nightmare fuel. Seven of them together...
With Dorian’s volatile state, the danger multiplied exponentially.
Rosalind’s breathing steadied as she gestured dismissively. "Proceed as planned. And send Thorne to cleanse the eastern slopes beyond the capital walls."
Liam’s smile turned wicked. "Right away, Your Majesty."
The Queen’s thods of discipline were almost charming.
He bowed gracefully before departing, already pitying poor Thorne internally.
The eastern slopes bordered the palace grounds, but that land had been the empire’s most contaminated territory. Nobody had attempted purification there in ages. Rumors claid it sward with itch worms.
He suppressed a chuckle.
——
Elara’s POV
I sprinted toward the ward area, pushing the al cart at breakneck speed. No headphones today—I was running behind and panic was setting in.
Skidding to a halt at the first entrance, I called out breathlessly, "Sorry! Had to handle sothing urgent. You guys hanging in there?"
My face burned the instant those words left my mouth. Sotis my mouth really did work faster than my brain.
I rushed into Chamber One, dropped off Kaelen’s food, and bolted straight to the next room without missing a beat.
Julian remained in the water. The rman’s shoulder glead bare, pearls scattered near his eyes, his hair perfectly styled. He looked even more breathtaking than yesterday.
The Wave Tribe’s reputation for beauty was well-earned.
My hurried pace ca to an abrupt stop the mont I spotted him. Now that Julian had returned to his normal state, avoiding his magnetism was impossible.
Julian caught my stare.
"Is that fascination and desire in her eyes?"
Heat crept up his neck. He dropped his gaze bashfully, pulse hamring.
"She’s actually looking at ."
I swallowed thickly. My inner desires took control. I knew exactly where my eyes wanted to wander. Tiny droplets traced paths down Julian’s hair, along his sculpted jaw, and further south.
God, he’s gorgeous—those lips, those piercing eyes.
I could feast on this view all I wanted. We were legally bound, after all.
"Stay alive, and I’ll bring you ho," I whispered.
I had a weakness for beautiful faces, just not for those destined to die young. Julian had just earned his ticket ho based purely on his looks.
Silas was different, though.
He’d always held a special corner of my heart.
Julian’s eyes went wide.
"She ans—"
"Exactly what you’re thinking," I murmured softly.
Though I spoke quietly, Julian caught every syllable. Shock painted his features.
"Is she being genuine? Has she truly accepted ?"
The fierce, composed admiral of the naval forces began tearing up with overwhelming joy.
For so long, she’d only regarded him with revulsion. He’d been convinced she despised him.
Julian’s emotional dam burst. His tears crystallized into pearls as they hit the water, his eyes bright crimson. He turned away in mortification, finally grasping why I had kept my distance from them all.
I smiled at the elegant curve of his spine.
Holy hell! A man this stunning belongs to .
Internal laughter bubbled up, though I kept my expression neutral. I set his al down and left a small token before heading out.
Kaelen, positioned across from him, noticed Julian sobbing too intensely to touch his food and imdiately offered comfort. "Hey, stop the waterworks. If Elara said sothing cruel, I’ll make it right for her."
——
Kaelen’s POV
I understand how much Elara despises Julian. Even his transford appearance hasn’t shifted her feelings.
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