---- tried to protect her from, she couldn't turn back now.

[need him to survive, Alexia murmured, more to herself than to the woman beside her.

The woman placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

If anyone can save him, its King Adrian and his people.

Trust me, you're in the safest place you could be.

Alexia stared into the fire, its flickering flames mirrored in her eyes.

Safe or not, she wasnt leaving until she had answersand until Damien opened his eyes again.

---- Chapter 476 Chapter 476 The Royal Castle 10:48 PM A lone figure stood motionless by the window, her silhouette framed by the faint glow of moonlight seeping through the glass.

[ler crimson eyes, vivid as a blood moon, remained fixed on the sprawling expanse of the kingdom.

Once vibrant and thriving, it now lay in ruins, a shadow of its former self.

The crackling warmth of a bonfire illuminated one comer of the room, its golden glow dancing on the untouched carpeted floor.

This room, unlike many others in the castle, had escaped the destruction wrought by the creatures.

It was Princess Zariyans old chamber, preserved as though frozen in time.

The door clicked open behind her, but she didnt turn.

The soft creak of the hinges was followed by the gentle thud of the door closing again.noveldrama

Echoing footsteps crossed the room, their rhythm deliberate and unhurried.

Then, without a word, two strong ---- arms wrapped around her slender frame from behind, and warm breath fanned against the nape of her neck.

Do you like it here? His voice was deep and quiet, almost a murmur.

It's warm, she replied in a monotone, her crimson eyes refusing to shift from the broken landscape beyond the window.

The man behind her hummed sofily, his grip tightening as he tugged at the zipper of her dress.

The sound of it sliding down broke the stillness, and the fabric slipped from her shoulders.

He placed feathery kisses along her shoulder blades, his lips trailing possessive paths down to the soft curve of her chest.

Her breathing quickened, her chest heaving with the motion, but her gaze remained unbroken, as though tethered to the night outside.

Between the stolen kisses, his hand reached for her chin, forcing her to turn her face toward him.

He captured her lips in a rough peck, his teeth grazing the soft flesh of her lower lip.

---- What are you staring at? he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

That.

she replied simply, lifting a pale finger to point at the window.

He followed her line of sight, his eyes narrowing as he noticed the object of her attention: a weathered lantern swaying slightly in the cold night breeze, suspended from the edge of the window.

That's a lantern, little one, he said with a faint smirk.

T want it.

Her words were direct, almost childlike in their simplicity.

A low growl rumbled in his chest as he tugged her dress further down, his hands cupping her curves possessively.

He placed another kiss on her neck, this one lingering TLL get you a new one later.

She finally turned her gaze to him, her crimson eyes locking onto his with a look of quiet determination.