Chapter 562

Jacob and Dylan lay in the carriage, covered by a soft cushion. Lawrence was placed on top of them, his position steadied by Dylan and Jacob, each holding a hand. The gamble had begun—they were on their way.

With three people in the carriage, the military physician had to dismount and ride his own horse to increase speed. Jacob would summon the physician if any problems arose.

The carriage was stifling. Dylan and Jacob, covered by the cushion and lying next to Lawrence, quickly became drenched in sweat. Their hair, soaked and clinging, itched unbearably. The driver occasionally lifted the curtain for fresh air, but couldn't leave it open long, as Lawrence's fever made him vulnerable to the wind.

The whip cracked, and the horses sped up. The carriage swayed and jolted on the uneven road, but their efforts to stabilize Lawrence lessened the impact. Jacob periodically checked Lawrence's pulse, finding solace in its continued beat.

Meanwhile, Travis led Sebastian and the others toward Westglade. Thirty miles from their destination, they were caught in a heavy rainstorm. Mira, worried about Sebastian's health, suggested a break.

“We’ve pushed hard; we’re likely to reach Westglade’s relay station ahead of them. It’s better to rest and wait out this rain before continuing,” she said.

Sebastian's gaze darkened. “We must continue immediately. It’s better for us to wait than to make them wait for us.”

Julian wiped away tears. “Thank you, Sebastian. Our family will remember your kindness.”

Despite his soaked clothes, Sebastian donned a raincoat. “No need for thanks. Let’s go. We keep moving as long as the horses can run.”

Lightning split the sky, followed by thunder. Heavy rain poured down as a few horses raced through the wind and rain. Ten miles away, however, Rafael's party remained miraculously dry.

They reached the relay station at nightfall. Rafael dismounted and hurried inside. Brandishing his emblem, he urgently asked the emerging staff, “Has any physician arrived?”

The station master knelt. “No, Your Highness.”

+25 BONUS

Chapter 562

Rafael felt as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over him, his body freezing, his blood seeming to congeal. Their worst fear had been realized. Lawrence had held on, but Sebastian hadn't arrived.

Everyone in the room froze. Although they’d anticipated this, the hope fueled by their race against time had shattered.

“Let’s get him settled. Move him inside,” Rafael said, taking a deep breath and issuing orders.

They quickly carried Lawrence to a room. The military physician, after checking his pulse with a grave expression, forced a rare herb into his mouth. Lawrence's condition was dire.

With darkness falling and the storm approaching, Sebastian's arrival that night was unlikely. The soonest they could expect help was tomorrow.

A torrential downpour began, extinguishing their last hope. They had exhausted every effort, and the thought of the outcome was unbearable.

They stood around Lawrence's bed, watching his breathing weaken. The force protecting his vital organs was failing.

Lawrence could barely open his eyes; his vision was blurred. He couldn't clearly see them, yet he knew his comrades were there. He tried to smile, but the effort was immense. It wasn't pain—he'd been numb for some time.

No one spoke, choked with grief. They crouched beside him, gently holding his hands and arms.

Thomas, struggling to control his emotions, whispered, “Law, we’re all here. Hold on. Your wife will be here soon.”

Lawrence had done his best. Mentioning his wife had no effect. His eyes closed, his breathing grew fainter. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow.

Suddenly, Rafael and Everett ran outside—they had heard the sound of horses' hooves.