Cristiano led his soldiers into the dense forest as their eyes scanned the surroundings for any danger. As they reached the forest's edge, they spotted Scott. He was tied up, his clothes torn, and his face covered in sweat. The soldiers quickly freed him, and as soon as he caught his breath, he looked at Cristiano with haste.
"The Fae took Her Highness," Scott gasped. "She is in the middle of the forest. I am sorry, Your Highness, I could not protect her. I failed. But please be safe. They are very strong."
Cristiano's expression darkened. Before he could respond, an explosion shook the ground. A blinding light spread through the trees, lighting up the entire forest as if it were day. The soldiers shielded their eyes from the intense brightness.
Cristiano squinted and moved forward cautiously, step by step. That's when he saw her—Portia.
She was limping toward him, her dress torn and her wrists bleeding. Her breath came in short gasps as if she had been running for her life.
