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    Chapter 897


    Barrett rushed back to Valor Estate in a panic. The moment he heard that Cyrus'' men hade with news, his heart skipped a beat.


    He knew Aurora too well-her personality was a mess of contradictions. She was proud and stubborn, but also afraid of dying. Even when pushed to the edge, she would always struggle one more time.


    He wasn''t so sure she would surrender without a fight this time.


    With the way things had ended between them, he couldn''t predict what Aurora might do to survive. For all he knew, she might go to extreme lengths.


    Lately, Aurora had been talking about leaving the capital, but she was terrified of being ambushed outside Blessed Haven. The assassination attempt on her had shaken her deeply. She likely thought through the possibilities repeatedly and decided how to handle things in case of trouble.


    Hence, Barrett hadn''t told her about the Westhaven envoy. He didn''t want her preparing ahead of time.


    When he arrived at Blessed Haven and saw Aurora standing with her sword pressed against her neck, his chest tightened.


    "Put the sword down, Aurora!"


    Her eyes were ice-cold, her gaze slicing through him like a de.


    She practically hissed his name, ''Barrett Warren!"


    Alistair also arrived with two royal guards by his side, just in time to stop Barrett from advancing.


    "Don''t get too close."


    Barrett cast aplex nce at Alistair. He knew what the man was worried about.


    "Aurora, go with Mr. Zellner to the Ministry of Justice," Barrett called out over Alistair''s shoulder, his tone steady but firm. ''Don''t make this harder than it needs to be. Cooperate with the investigation. The Ministry of Justice won''t make things difficult for you."


    Aurora''s eyes shed with rage, sneering bitterly. "Don''t talk nonsense! If they won''t make things difficult for me, then why don''t they just let me stay at Valor Estate? Barrett, I''ll ask you just one thing-you have no feelings left for me, right?"


    Barrett felt a pang of difort. "That''s between us. Just cooperate with the Ministry of Justice for now."


    Auroraughed coldly. "Cooperate? Fine! I want you toe here and arrest me yourself. Aren''t you themander of the Crown Guard?"


    Barrett stayed still.


    Aurora''s fury slowly drained away, leaving only a trace of sorrow.


    Her voice softened, almost mournful as she said, ''Barrett, we fought together at Victory Pass. We risked our lives together. Do you remember what you said to me when we went to Fawnrun City?"


    Barrett''s breath caught at her words. His eyes narrowed, and he nodded instinctively. "I remember."


    "Good." Tears shimmered in her eyes. "I''ll go with them. I won''t drag the Warren family down with me. I only ask


    one thing-remember our past, remember the little bit of affection we once shared. Please, ask the king to let me die with dignity."


    Barrett''s entire body tensed as he stood there, silent for a long while.


    Finally, he nodded. "I promise you I''ll do that."


    Tears slid down the disfigured side of Aurora''s face, and she smiled sadly. "Alright. Fine."


    Hearing that she was willing to go with the Ministry of Justice, everyone let out a collective breath of relief. Cyrus and Alistair noticed the solemn expression on Barrett''s face, which they found only natural. After all, Aurora was his wife, and the king granted them marriage due to their military merit. She mentioned the dangerous times they endured together during the war, times that no one else could truly understand. Now, as she was about to be taken away, it was clear that her trial was little more than a formality before her death.


    If Barrett had shown any sign of ease or indifference, it would have been an insult to her memory-he would have been worse than an animal.


    With the sword still pressed to her neck, Aurora slowly stepped out from Blessed Haven. The Ministry of Justice officers didn''t dare to move closer, for fear she would slit her neck if she were provoked even just a little. If that happened, she would surely die of blood loss before they could do anything.


    Alistair remained vignt and kept himself between Barrett and Aurora. Barrett understood Alistair''s caution and respected thetter''s position, so he retreated a few steps, prompting Alistair to follow him.


    Now slightly less on edge, Cyrus said, ''Put down your sword."


    Aurora moved the de away from her neck. At that instant, everyone exhaled in relief.


    But before the tension could even fully ease, Aurora suddenly lunged at Cyrus. The distance between them was barely a few steps, and she moved with lightning speed.


    Alistair, stunned, instinctively moved forward to push Cyrus out of harm''s way. But it was toote. As he had retreated a few steps to stay with Barrett, he was too far from Cyrus to intervene in time.


    The Ministry of Justice officers and the two royal guards were closer, but Aurora was faster-she moved like one who had been professionally trained. By the time they reacted, her sword was only a short distance from Cyrus'' neck.


    In that critical moment, a whip snapped through the air, wrapping around Aurora''s hand and yanking it sharply to the right. Her sword ttered to the ground, and the officers immediately jumped on her, pinning her down.


    Her face was forced into the dirt, leaving her unable to push herself up. She had no idea who had intervened, but the next thing she heard was a triumphant shout from the people around her.


    "Commander Sinir!"Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    It was then Aurora realized the one who had stopped her was Carissa.