Chapter 952

The night before the negotiations devolved into chaos. While Westhaven envoys at Concord Lodge toiled through a sleepless night, Supreme Court officials convened for an emergency session. At the Ministry of Justice, Aurora relentlessly pleaded to see Barrett one last time since her confession, even dropping to her knees, begging for mercy.

Since her arrest, Aurora had maintained a strong facade. Now, it crumbled. Patrick knew she would likely be handed over to the Westhaven envoys for punishment after the negotiations. A quick death would be merciful, but a painful and humiliating end was more probable. Even death row prisoners received final visits; therefore, Patrick allowed Aurora and Barrett to meet that night, but only within the confines of her prison cell.

Barrett, under heavy guard, was escorted to the cell. Officials opened the door and stationed themselves outside, affording them a semblance of privacy. Of course, Barrett was thoroughly searched beforehand; any sharp objects were strictly prohibited. Aurora's death before handover to the Westhaven envoys would be impossible to explain.

Aurora was held in solitary confinement in the women's prison. Her role in the case was too critical to risk anything; Patrick stationed heavy guards around her cell.

Flickering lantern light illuminated their gaunt, haggard faces. The confident, triumphant air they’d displayed after Victory Pass was gone, replaced by exhaustion, desperation, and defeat.

"I changed my testimony for you," Aurora said, staring at him. His lack of resolve deepened her despair. "I told them you knew nothing about Victory Pass. That should keep you safe."

"That's the truth. I truly didn't know," Barrett replied flatly.

"But before you were arrested, I insisted Dominic masterminded the operation."

"That wouldn't have held up. It was your word against his. Neither the king nor the Ministry of Justice would believe it."

Fury and frustration twisted Aurora's face. "It doesn't matter! Westhaven didn't go to all this trouble just to kill me. They've hated the Sullivans for years. Generations guarding Victory Pass made them a thorn in Westhaven's side. They're who Westhaven truly wants."

Barrett stared, his expression turning serious. "What are you planning?"

"Listen carefully," she said bluntly. "Westhaven is after the Sullivans and me. You're useless to them. They don't want you dead. The king is determined to protect you; you'll be fine. At worst, you'll lose your position temporarily, which might be beneficial."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Save me."

Her eyes burned with cold intensity. "The Westhaven officials won't kill me immediately. They'll take me back to Westhaven and torture me. They'll prolong it until I die as miserably as their crown prince. That's the only way to satisfy their grudge. But that gives us an opportunity. Once I'm out of the capital, you can rescue me."

Barrett looked shocked. "So, your plan to protect me was to use me to save yourself?"

Aurora shook her head. "No! I would never willingly drag you into this! From the start, I told them Dominic secretly summoned me. I didn't implicate you. It wasn't until you confessed that I was forced to admit I acted alone. I never intended to harm you. Even at my worst, I remembered our bond and did everything to protect you."

She placed her hand on his shoulder, her disfigured face a mix of defiance and resentment. "If it weren't for your confession, I wouldn't have been framed as the mastermind. You caused this. Now, you have to fix it."

"You're overestimating me," Barrett said, looking at her almost unrecognizable face. "Even if released, I'll be stripped of my rank. What power would I have to save you?"

Aurora grabbed his clothes, pulling him close to whisper in his ear.

Barrett jerked back, eyes wide. "You've been planning this from the start?"

Her voice turned cold. "What choice did I have? Sit in Blessed Haven and wait to die? If you'd cared, or visited me there, you'd know what I was doing. I studied every map of Starhaven, analyzed every escape route, and planned until I found the perfect one."