Chapter 844
Carissa leaped across the bridge and ran on the water's surface, using her Lightfoot Skill, desperately searching for Amelia. The dark river offered no sign of her.
The onlookers were stunned, especially the four Warren family members. They couldn't believe Amelia had jumped. Benjamin, in particular, knew his wife's timid nature—she wouldn't even wet her feet, let alone jump into a river.
Arriving at the scene, he focused on the crowd, Carissa's alarm, and the presence of the Capital Guard. Embarrassed by his earlier shouting at Amelia, he hadn't considered she would actually jump. She was timid; why this sudden bravery? All she did was care for Rebecca and manage the household. What made her feel so unfortunate?
Despite her shock, Carissa followed the current downstream while Violet ran along the riverbank. With the dangerous water, a swift rescue was crucial.
Barrett reacted too late, jumping down to chase Violet, who was already far ahead. He finally understood the difference: Carissa and Violet acted without hesitation to save a life.
Just then, Carissa spotted Amelia. Her head bobbed in the water, the current pulling her under. Using the current, Carissa gained speed and reached Amelia, the icy water crashing against her as she wrapped her arms around the woman.
Holding Amelia prevented Carissa from using her Lightfoot Skill to lift them both. The current was too strong; she needed to steady herself.
Violet quickly tore strips from her cloak, tied them together, secured one end with a small stone, and tossed it to Carissa. The current pulled the strips, but Carissa, holding Amelia with one arm, grabbed the strips with the other, finding her balance.
"Hold tight!" Carissa called.
Violet gripped the other end. Carissa used the leverage to pull herself and Amelia from the current, their toes skimming the water's surface. With a quick flip, they landed safely on the bank.
Carissa laid her former sister-in-law down as Violet rushed forward, striking Amelia's chest, but Amelia remained unresponsive.
Sitting cross-legged, Carissa, supported by Violet, focused her inner force on Amelia while Violet continued chest compressions. After a long moment, Amelia coughed, expelling considerable water.
Both women breathed a sigh of relief. Exhausted, they held Amelia tightly, ensuring she wouldn't act recklessly again.
Amelia trembled, her teeth chattering. Tears streamed down her face as she looked at Carissa and Violet, speechless with gratitude for their life-saving efforts.
Barrett sprinted over. Seeing his sister-in-law saved, he collapsed, his heart racing. He crawled toward them, the shadows obscuring faces, hoarsely asking Carissa, "Do you realize you could have died?"
Ignoring him, Carissa focused on Violet. "Violet, can you carry her?"
Soaked and shivering, Carissa sneezed repeatedly. Great. Her junior guild member would have a lot to say tonight back at Hell Monarch Estate.
Violet lifted Amelia and headed back to the bridge.
Benjamin sobbed quietly, covering his face, before crawling to grasp his wife's hand. Tears streamed down his cheeks. "Why did you do something so foolish? Couldn't we have talked?"
Amelia trembled, pulling her hand away, curling into Violet's embrace, and crying loudly. Why this desperate act to be seen? She knew survival only meant returning to a more torturous existence. Divorce or death from illness—the Warren family would blame her for the shame. Benjamin's tears were false. Back at Valor Estate, their faces would change.
"Let's go to Arcane Sanctum!" Carissa said, hugging herself. "She inhaled a lot of water; I don't know about lasting effects. She should stay for observation."
Carissa wouldn't allow Amelia back to Valor Estate. If she did, Amelia likely wouldn't survive. Even if Benjamin felt guilty, Rebecca would never forgive a daughter-in-law who attempted suicide.