Chapter 238

Lulu's hands trembled as she handed the bag to Carissa. No one wanted to believe the news, as the initial headcount after the massacre had revealed no missing persons. All the household's young servants and children had been accounted for.

Carissa's mind refused to accept it, though a sliver of hope clung to her heart. The haunting scene was not just the severed head, but the clothing—bloodstained, yet unmistakably Ryan's. It was the outfit she had made for him when she returned to her family home and prepared clothes for her nieces and nephews.

Taking the bag, Carissa murmured vacantly, "Lulu, I'm just going to see for myself. I know it's probably not him, and I don't hold out much hope, but… please fetch Ryan's favorite toy from Azure Hall. It's the slingshot I made for him, engraved with his name. I even painted the wood…"

"I know which one it is. I'll get it right away!" Lulu replied, hurrying off. She stumbled down the stone steps, her legs momentarily giving way, but she quickly recovered and limped away.

Soon, Lulu returned with the slingshot and handed it to Carissa. Carissa gently traced Ryan's engraved name. Looking up after a long moment, she noticed Lulu's bleeding knees.

"Lulu, go take care of your wounds," Carissa instructed, regaining her composure.

"My lady, I'll accompany you. There's no need to worry about my injuries," Lulu insisted.

"No, I'll go alone. The horses here aren't as fast as Lightning," Carissa said, glancing at Frederick, Lily, and Holly. Their eyes were filled with tears and carefully hidden hope. They dared not hope too much, fearing even greater disappointment.

Just as Carissa was about to leave, Lily called out, "My lady, wait a moment!" Lily hurried downstairs, quickly wrapping up a starcake and rushing back to give it to Carissa.

Chapter 258

+25 SONUS

"Here, take this for the journey," Lily said, in case

Carissa understood. If the child beggar was Ryan, she would give him the starcake.

She accepted the starcake, placing it in her bag, then mounted Lightning. As she turned to look back, everyone stood at the door, tears finally streaming down their faces.

A pang of sadness gripped Carissa's heart, and tears slipped down her cheeks. With a quick squeeze of her legs, she urged Lightning forward. The horse reared and, with a long neigh, burst into a full gallop.

As Lightning raced out of the city, Carissa silently prayed to her parents, second brother, and sister-in-law. "Dad, Mom, Nathan, Yvette, please watch over me…. Please let it be Ryan!"

The journey to Eldoria was at least 600 miles. Lightning could travel at least 300 miles a day and 250 miles at night, but that was under extreme effort. On a typical day, Lightning could manage 150 miles, then rest overnight. The next day, they could cover 120 miles, then 90 miles the following day. By the fourth day, Lightning could run 150 miles again.

In this manner, they would reach Eldoria in about four or five days, though Lightning would be very exhausted. Upon arrival, the horse would need several days of rest to fully recover. August was a time of crisp autumn weather, the perfect season for a horse's performance.

Carissa's heart raced with anticipation. She wished she could instantly be in Eldoria, beside Rafael, to see that child! If… if Ryan were really still alive, he would be nearly seven now.

In the blink of an eye, almost two years had passed since the massacre. Carissa couldn't think about it; she couldn't think of anything. She had to treat the journey as purposeless. She shouldn't hold onto any hope. It was essential…