Chapter 171
Chapter 171
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Roana,
“Cassian? What’s wrong? Hey!” Just as I pulled away from the kiss our bodies collapsing awkwardly onto the ground, his weight suddenly went slack. He fainted against my shoulder, his head lolling to the side, breath shallow and uneven against my neck. My arms tightened around him instinctively, panic flaring sharp and fast in my chest.
He had shifted back entirely. His skin was warm, too warm, and in some places the raw wounds were still there, angry and red, the edges cracked as if they had barely closed. My fingers trembled when they brushed over them. My heart clenched painfully as that moment replayed in my mind, the way he had held me, his body a shield as he blocked me from the roaring flames.
He was scared of fire. I knew that. He had been burning alive, every instinct screaming at him to flee, yet… he hadn’t let the flames touch me. Not once.
“Aren’t you my little hero? Protecting your love.” My lips curved into a fragile smile as I kissed the tip of his nose, lingering there for a heartbeat longer than necessary. “Well, seems like ‘I can burn the world to keep you safe’ changed into ‘I will burn myself, but I won’t let that damn fire touch your skin…. not even a single hair!””
A soft, broken chuckle escaped me. My chest hitched, and before I realized it, tears spilled over, warm and unstoppable, dropping onto his cheek. I cried happy tears, relief and fear tanging together until my vision blurred. Then reality snapped back into place, sharp and unforgiving. He needed treatment. Now.
He must return home with his head held high, healthy, strong enough to decide Tyran’s fate. And when he does, I will execute it.
I hurriedly got dressed, my hands clumsy as I pulled at the fabric. My dress was torn in different places, hanging loose against my skin, but I couldn’t bring myself to care while he lay unconscious. I gently placed him on my lap, adjusting his head so his neck wouldn’t strain, my fingers cradling his jaw as I connected my mind-link to Draken.
“Come here. He fainted! Bring a shirt and jeans!”
“He shifted back?” he asked, his voice edged with concern.
“Yes. So come here!” I snapped, though my hand softened as it moved, gently rubbing Cassian’s face, my thumb brushing over his brow as if I could smooth the pain away.
After disconnecting, I pulled him closer to my chest, my chin resting against his hair. His scent grounded me, familiar and comforting. It felt like finding water in the middle of the desert, parched and dying, with no sign of rain or shelter. He was my water. The one who made me feel alive when everything else felt like ash.
A small, aching smile played on my lips as I pressed a slow kiss this forehead. “Welcome back, love. I love you.”
“Ow! What a sight!” Draken walked in, playfully covering his eyes, though his grin faltered when he saw Cassian’s state. “Is he alright?”
“Yeah. Just exhausted. My voice came out steadier than I felt. “I need to treat his wounds. Can you carry him?”
“Are you questioning my strength?”
“Well, he isn’t a small man, is he?” I shot back, though my eyes ver left Cassian’s face.
Draken rolled his eyes and tossed me a small bag.” It’s Carl’s. Weve got no clothes his size!”
“I know.” I took it, quickly dressing Cassian, my movements careful, my jaw tight with focus. “Did you bring your phone?” I asked.
“Yeah. Why?”
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Chapter 171
“Try if it connects to Lorenzo. We need a car.”
“I see. Okay!”
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After changing him, I helped Draken take Cassian upstairs. Every step made my heart pound, fear flickering with each shallow breath Cassian took. I decided to go inside Keane’s room instead of Carl’s. Keane was an enemy who had almost gotten us killed. But Carl had already destroyed his life.
“Well!” Rosetta looked at me as Draken settled Cassian on the couch. Her hands twisted together nervously. ” I… I want to apologize for everything!”
We both froze and looked at her.
She ran her hand over her face, fingers trembling, then swallowed hard. ” Everything was my choice in the end. But since Tyran knew I was the only existing witch who could help him, he kept me as a hostage. And then I met Keane. He was the only person who treated me like a person, not a witch who could ruin lives with a snap.” Her voice wavered as tears gathered in her eyes.” He suggested I stay close to Tyran because Tyran was his brother. I believed him. I decided to give it a try!” She wiped her tears away roughly and looked at me, her gaze raw and desperate.
“You know… war and love, they have no rules to follow. I believed the person I loved and trusted the man who used me like a dog!”
“And you let him use you constantly,” I said quietly, my voice low and even, ” despite knowing that hundreds of people who shared the same soul as your beloved lover were dying because of you?”
She lowered her head, shoulders sagging. “I know. I didn’t want to be a murderer. But at the end of the day… I became one.”
I scoffed softly, pulling a blanket over Cassian, tucking it around his shoulders. My hands lingered there for a moment before I straightened. “You wouldn’t have stopped if Tyran hadnt betrayed you, Rosetta. But as I promised,” I turned to face her fully, my eyes hard, “I will help you get away from everything. So where do you want to go?”
She glanced at Keane, worry etched deep into her features, then looked back at me. ” I can’t leave until he heals. He’s badly
burned!”
“Then we can heal him!” Draken chimed in quickly.
I shot him a look, one brow lifting slowly.
“Well, listen to me,” he continued, unfazed. ” Seems like Miss Reetta can separate two places with her barrier. Since she can handle that, maybe she can work with us!”
“What?” Her eyes widened in shock.
Judging by Tyran’s attitude, he can track you wherever you go. Draken said. “But if you stay in the Southern Region, not only can you get a proper identity without discrimination, you can also protect Keane.”
Are you taking the decision without my input here?” I asked, my voice turning cold.
“Nope. But I think it’s a better option.”
“I don’t want people who betrayed my man in his land. As his Queen, I can’t do it!”
“Then let’s take them as hostages. Tyran will come for her. Draken stepped closer, placing his hands on my shoulders, giving a slow, grounding massage. “We can’t let him die like this This isn’t you, my sister.” He leaned in and whispered near my ear, his voice low.” She has information about Tyran’s weakness. We can’t let that slip away”
My eyes drifted to Cassian. His chest rose and fell slowly, his fac pale but peaceful Draken was right. They were our best chance to reach Tyran.
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Chapter 171
“Fine!” I snapped, my voice sharp. “We’ll give you one chance, Rosetta.”
“It’s actually Estella Rosette,” she said hesitantly. ” People call me the wrong name-”
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“Do I care?” I cut in flatly. ” Rosetta is enough. Get used to it. Anyway, we’ll provide the best treatment for Keane. But how much loyalty are you willing to show us?”
“I…” She hesitated, then lowered her gaze. “I want to live freely with Keane. Nothing else matters.”
And do you really believe you can live freely while Tyran is still out there?” I stepped closer, my presence looming. Remember, Estella Rosette, this is still wartime. There’s no ending yet. No surrender. Neither from me nor from Tyran. Right now, you are a crucial part of this war. We can kill both of you or send you away. But there’s no guarantee you’ll survive outside the war zone.”
“What’s the guarantee we’ll be safe in the Southern Region?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I smirked slightly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear with deliberate slowness. “We don’t treat people like shit, Rosetta. Why not try first? But loyalty matters. We’ll take you to our land. You’ll shapeshift to look like me and then-” I paused, eyes narrowing. ” Actually, no. That’s not happening.”
She can shapeshift?” Draken asked, startled.
“Yes. She’s a witch. Not like us. She doesn’t have a wolf. She has the ability to become one, to disguise herself. And I don’t know how loyal she truly is.”
Draken grasped. I thought he knew that. But well, not everyone knew about her anyway.
“All I need is safety. Keane’s safety.” Her voice broke. ” People hate him now. Everyone from your place hates him.”
“I don’t care about you or Keane,” I said bluntly. “You’re useful. use you, and in return you get what you want. I give you our protection, you give us your loyalty. If you can’t, then we can’t. It’s that simple.”
She looked around the room, breathing uneven, thinking hard. didn’t interrupt. The choice was hers.
“Fine!” she finally said, her voice firm despite the fear in her eye” I will give you myself and my loyalty. You will protect Keane. At any cost!”
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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