---- deliberate and measured.

Alecia, by contrast, felt like a flustered bird in a cage too small.

She fidgeted with the strap of her bag, acutely aware of Zariyans gaze raking over her.

It wasn't just a lookit was an assessment.

Zariyans eyes lingered on Alecias torn clothes, her thin frame, the way her hands trembled slightly she stood there.noveldrama

Finally, the princess spoke, her voice sharp enough to slice through the tension.

S So, Zariyan said, her tone even but laced with an edge that made Alecias stomach twist.

You're the special one.

Alecias breath caught, her heart hammering against her ribs.

She opened her mouth to respond but found no words, the weight of Zariyans scrutiny silencing her.

What was she supposed to say? Who told her? She wanted to ask.

But she already knew.

Lordie.

---- Chapter 501 Did he sent her here to- Dad has a good heart.

He won't tell you directly but Thate sugar coating things.

The princess leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing as she speaks in a voice colder than ice, her words cut through Alecias hopes with a blade.

You are going to die, either way Alecia.

Why not as a martyr, than a commoner? ---- Chapter 502 Alecias breaths came in shallow, uneven waves as Zariyans words sank deep, leaving no space for rebuttal.

She clutched the strap of her bag, her knuckles turning white as her heart pounded against her ribcage.

T dont understand, she whispered, her voice barely audible, betraying her confusion and hesitation.

Zi in exhaled heavily, the sound tinged with exasperation.

She plunged her hands into her coat pockets, her movements deliberate as she began to pace the small tent.

Her eyes, sharp and unyielding, never left Alecia If you run off today, Zariyan began, her tone laced with frost, you won't make it through the week.

Days, at best.

The creatures will find you.

They'll tear you apart, rip the very life from your veins.

Alecia shivered but said nothing.

---- Your precious, unique blood will spill into the dirt, wasted.

And your body? Zariyan stopped, her voice growing colder.

It'll be shredded to pieces, roasted over their fires, nothing more than a fleeting meal for the beasts that plague this land.

The vivid imagery made Alecias stomach churn.

Her throat was parched, and her tongue felt glued to the roof of her mouth.

Still, she didnt protest.

Zariyan wasn't wrong.

Its the reality and she knows it.

Zariyan stepped behind her and placed firm hands on Alccias trembling shoulders.

The touch was commanding, and Alecia flinched, her instinct to retreat overridden by the force of Zariyans presence.

But if you stay, Zariyans voice softened, her words threading through the icy tension like a crackling fire, you can be so much more.

Respected.

Valued You'll be more than a survivoryou'll be a savior.

A hero whose name will echo through generations.