Chapter 918
The following evening, Rafael and Carissa arrived at the Sullivan Estate. From the outside, it was clear the Griffinblade Unit hadn't been slacking. The plaque had been rehung, the front gate cleaned, and every copper nail on the door meticulously polished.
During the day, common people had come to pay their respects, bringing simple gifts—fruits, vegetables, and meat. Their affection was pure. They could do little else, but they gave what they could.
Barrett stood at the gate, looking out of place. He hadn't been able to bring himself to come during the day, so he stood guard at night, gathering the courage to apologize. Despite his efforts, he couldn't bring himself to enter.
When Rafael and Carissa arrived, Barrett instinctively stepped back and hid. This was a reflex, born of the sharp insults he'd received from the townsfolk. He'd even had rotten vegetable leaves thrown at him. He understood now—his glory at Victory Pass was being repaid with their anger and bitterness.
Still, he bore the abuse stoically. At least he no longer had to face his mother's wrath. He would take what he deserved, and then things would pass.
Rafael and Carissa emerged from the carriage, hand in hand. As Barrett's gaze fell on their intertwined fingers, a strange, unspoken feeling surged within him.
Carissa wore a dark cloud-patterned satin gown, embroidered with large flowers. Her cloak was black outside, red inside, fluttering in the night wind. Barrett had last seen her in her official uniform; now, in her female attire, she seemed even more stunning. Her delicate eyes, tinged with a reddish glow from her makeup, captivated.
Barrett quickly averted his gaze, hoping the dim light would shield him. He didn't want them to see him; he didn't dare look at Rafael, fearing the sight of their perfect match, their harmony.
He pretended not to see them, keeping his eyes lowered. Naturally, Rafael and Carissa ignored him. A Griffinblade Unit guard opened the door, and they entered.
Having been informed of their arrival, Dominic waited in the main hall after dinner. Finally, he heard footsteps. He looked up and saw them enter, hand in hand, their figures illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns.
Seeing this, Dominic's heart settled. He didn't care if they were a perfect match. What mattered was whether Rafael truly loved Carissa.
At Victory Pass, their letters had mostly concerned Fawnrun City, with only passing mentions of other things. Dominic had heard Rafael treated Carissa well, and had witnessed this himself at the city gates the previous day.
Now, seeing them walk hand in hand, with Rafael's familiar, protective tenderness, Dominic knew the prince's feelings were genuine.
They stood before Dominic and bowed deeply.
Carissa called out, "Grandpa," her voice catching, her words faltering as she struggled to hold back tears. She kept her head lowered, trying to control her emotions, not wanting her grandfather to see her so fragile.
Weakness would not help her grandfather now.
Dominic knew she was crying—he saw her trembling shoulders. Carissa had truly grown up. She could stand on a battlefield and no longer easily displayed her emotions.
But why did it hurt him so much?
Dominic and Hector had chosen Carissa's name together. Melanie had given birth to six remarkable sons. When they were blessed with a daughter, they cherished her, as reflected in her name.
As their only daughter, they showered her with love and affection, letting her grow up pampered and adored. They let her do whatever she wanted, so long as she lived joyfully and freely.
Protecting their little darling wasn't difficult for the Sinclair and Sullivan families.
From birth, Carissa's future seemed set. With the love and care of both families, she would have a joyful, carefree childhood—like a wildflower blooming in the mountains, returning to the pure essence of life.
Yet, that happiness was fleeting. She hadn't fully blossomed before facing life's harshest reality—the unbearable separation of life and death. She was forced to grow up too soon.