---- Alecia felt a lump rising in her throat, her composure slipping.

Tears blurred her vision, but she refused to let them fall, her pride clinging to the last fragile threads of her resolve [ won't lie to you, Zariyan continued, stepping back and allowing her words to fill the space between them.

The path ahead will be grueling.

Your body may weaken.

But your heart, Alecia? It will grow stronger.

It will carry the love of millions who will owe their lives to your courage.

Alecia tumed away, her face contorted with conflicting emotions.

L...

can't, she croaked, her voice breaking under the weight of fear.

[ just cant.

I'm not like you, Princess.

She wiped furiously at her tears and slung her bag over her shoulder, her decision firm.

I'm sorry, Princess Zariyan.

You may think I'm a coward, but I cant stay here.

I can't ---- Chapter 502 Sia The single word froze Alecia mid-step.

I saw you, Zariyan said, her voice dropping into a low, dangerous whisper.

T saw you in the castle, offering your hand to Damien.

I saw you risking your life to save him.

Alecia stiffened, her back still turned.

I thought I saw a hero in that moment, Zariyan continued, her words slicing through Alecias resolve like a blade.

Someone willing to bleed for what's right.

But I was wrong.

You're no hero, Alecia.

You're just a scared little girl who would rather abandon the people who need her than face the truth.

Alecias bag slipped from her shoulder, falling to the floor with a dull thud.

Her heart twisted painfully at Zariyans final blow.

Damien was a fool to trust you.

Alecia spun around, her eyes blazing with a mix of ---- fury and anguish.

He was not! I would never let him down Really? Zariyan shot back, stepping closer until their faces were mere inches apart.

But you have.

He searched for you for months with the hope that you will save the world.

But look at you? ? Running away when this world needs you most? Alecias hands balled into fists at her sides, her chest heaving with ragged breaths.

You think I want to be there, live amongst those monsters? Zariyan pressed on, her voice unrelenting.

You think I dont feel fear? That I dont dream of leaving all this behind? But I stay, Alecia.noveldrama

I stay because running means letting the darkness win.

Letting them win! And I refuse to let that happen.

Alecia stared at her, her tears now flowing freely.

Her heart felt like it was being torn apart, each word driving her deeper into despair.

But amidst the pain, a spark of something else began to ignitea flicker of ---- defiance You have a choice, Zariyan said, her tone softening but remaining firm.

You can run and die like a coward, forgotten and alone.

Or you can stay and fight, knowing that even if you fall, you'll do so with purpose.

With dignity.

With honor.

Alecia's gaze dropped to the floor, her mind a whirlwind of fear, doubt, and the faintest glimmer of hope.

Zariyan stepped back, giving her space.

The world doesnt wait, Alecia.

Decide tonight.

The entire mankind is counting on you.

Alecia closed her eyes, her body trembling as she stood on the precipice of her choice.

The silence stretched, heavy and charged, as Zariyan turns around to leave.

When suddenly, she paused at the threshold, her hand lingering on the fabric of the tents entrance Alecia, still frozen in place, thought the conversation