Chapter 1053

Since Aurora's abduction by Westhaven's envoys, Barrett had been plagued by nightly nightmares. He dreamed of her torture—her flesh slowly carved away, each strip of skin torn from her body as her blood surged like a tidal wave, drowning him. Even during his daytime duties, he sometimes heard her voice: a cry for help, a bitter accusation of betrayal, or her agonized screams. He felt he was losing his mind.

His guilt weighed heavily, yet he still believed he'd acted rightly. This internal conflict had exhausted him, mentally and physically. He knew his position as deputy commander was largely titular; the king assigned him no duties. Day after day, he wandered the halls, his mind unsettled. Home offered no peace; Viola's constant complaints and Serena's goading to seek justice from the Marquis of Ironridge gnawed at him. He found no solace, longing for a confidante, but he had no friends left.

However, Carissa knew the truth: Aurora was alive. Word had arrived from Skywing Spire. Lisandra remained trapped in Fawnrun City. Leroy, upon returning to Fawnrun City, had assumed military command. Though he hadn't attacked, he'd stationed troops and refused to retreat, carefully weighing his options. After negotiating with Starhaven, he realized the situation was more complex than anticipated. War meant a lack of supplies—food, weapons, and horses. Hesitation would anger the king, who'd issued unignorable secret orders. Ultimately, the decision to fight rested with Lisandra, who would negotiate with the generals. Leroy's role was to adapt to the situation.

Meanwhile, Lisandra had no time for Aurora, who remained imprisoned, her fate uncertain. Zeke and the others had been executed before the journey even began; their heads, grim trophies, were brought back to Fawnrun City.

That evening, after speaking with Max, Carissa left Capital Guard headquarters to find Rafael's carriage waiting. He sat inside, lifting the curtain and smiling. "Tomorrow's a rest day. Today, we retrieve Ryan before Lord Klein gets to him."

Days had passed since Carissa last saw Ryan, and she missed him deeply. She immediately entered the carriage. The weather was warming. Rafael removed her heavy cloak and offered a paper bag. "I picked up some crispy yellow pastries. They're fresh—eat them while warm."

The tempting aroma filled the air, but Carissa carefully rewrapped the bag. "I'll save them for Ryan. He loves these."

"Of course, I bought some for him too," Rafael replied, unwrapping another bag. "This one's for you—eat it while it's crisp."

The scent was irresistible, and Carissa took a bite. The crunchy exterior yielded to a soft, fragrant, rich filling. She nibbled for a moment before asking, "Have you had any?"

"I ate mine when I bought them. Now, hurry up and eat," Rafael said with a grin, dabbing at the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief. "Is it good?"

"It's delicious," Carissa replied, savoring another bite. Her voice muffled by the pastry, she continued, "You're out so early. Finished your cases?"

"I handed them to Matthew. This morning, I checked in at the Supreme Court, then handled some matters. I finished just in time to pick you up."

Aware of the ongoing investigation, Carissa asked, "How's it progressing?"

Rafael smiled calmly. "Slowly but surely." The pace was deliberate; they had gathered some information—some substantiated, some not. The king only asked for Rafael's assistance, so he subtly guided Ian, letting him gather evidence. Rafael would release the confirmed cases at the opportune moment. His main focus was Yuvan's private army. Yuvan lacked capital connections, and those who'd supported Eleanor distanced themselves after his fall. This was best left for Ian to investigate.

Carissa took another bite of pastry. "Barrett stopped me in the palace today and asked if I knew anything about Aurora's situation."

A flicker of displeasure crossed Rafael's eyes. "If he wants to know, he should ask me."