Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 253

As Carissa saw Sebastian out, he sighed and said, “Being captured by human traffickers is undeniably unfortunate, but escaping the massacre of your entire family is a great stroke of luck amidst the misfortune.”

Carissa didn’t share his view.

Had Ryan delivered the candied apples to Valor Estate as planned, she would have personally ensured his safe return, though it would have likely meant staying a night at Northwatch Estate. If she had been there when the Westhaven spies attacked, she might have been able to save some of them, and the massacre might not have been so complete.

So, her hatred for the traffickers was deep and all–consuming. She hoped to see them utterly eradicated, and not a single one of them spared.

After sending Sebastian on his way, Carissa asked for a carriage to be prepared. She intended to take Ryan to the palace to meet the king and the queen dowager. Following that, they would visit the Klein family.

New clothes had been made for Ryan, as only a few of his old garments were left in the estate. During the funeral, many of his clothes were buried with his family, and only a few were left as keepsakes.

Although Ryan’s new clothes didn’t fit perfectly, they were only slightly short. His facial injuries had healed, leaving only faint scars. After careful grooming, Ryan was dressed in his old finery, making it seem as though no time had passed and nothing had changed.

But in reality, it was only an illusion.

Holding Ryan’s hand, Carissa walked slowly outside. Ryan’s lamed leg made it difficult for him to walk quickly–he had to hop awkwardly to avoid falling.

Frederick watched them leave with tears in his eyes. The pain of broken bones was something he deeply understood; his own mobility was limited, though still much better compared to Ryan’s suffering.

Salvador received the aunt and nephew in Victoria’s palace.

Victoria couldn’t hold back her tears as she beckoned Ryan over. He hopped awkwardly on one leg, the pain from his broken limb worsening after the long journey through the palace.

Seeing his struggle, Victoria’s tears began to flow once more. She took his hand and guided him to sit beside her, gently stroking his cheek. “Oh, you’re so thin… You’ve suffered so much.”

Ryan looked at Victoria, shaking his head and waving his hand as if to reassure her that he hadn’t suffered too greatly.

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