---- But Damien stood silent, his head bowed, his jaw clenched as if carrying the guilt of a thousand sins.


    Adrian''s anger softened just slightly, his handnding firmly on Damiens shoulder.


    When he spoke again, his voice cracked, revealing the vulnerable man beneath the mask of a king.


    I''ve lost too much already, Theodore.


    Too many good men.


    Too many people I cared about.


    I cant lose you too.


    You''re not just a soldieryou''re like a son to me.


    You know that, dont you? Damien lifted his head, his dark eyes clouded with emotion.


    He hesitated, running a hand through his hair before muttering, I know, Lordie.


    And I''m sorry.


    But I couldn''t just leave her to die.


    His voice softened as he gestured toward Alexia.


    Meet Alexia.


    She''s the one who saved me in the forest.


    Adrian''s gaze shifted to the girl, his sharp eyes studying her.


    Alexia nodded politely, offering him a faint, hesitant smile.


    For a moment, Adrians fists clenched, his instinctive distrust surfacing.


    It''s not enough to trust her, Adrian said coldly.


    ---- Chapter 490 T trust her with my life, Damien interjected, his voice firm, cutting through the tension like steel Adrian''s brows furrowed in surprise at Damien''s resolute tone.


    For a moment, the King said nothing, the weight of Damien''s trust hanging heavy in the air.


    If shes infected She''s not.


    Damien interrupted, his confidence unwavering.


    She''s immune.


    Adrian''s skepticism began to crumble as his attention returned to Alexia.


    He stepped closer, leaning in to examine her.


    His sharp gaze caught the faint glow of healing flesh where her stitches were.


    The dark veins that marked the infected were absent.


    His breath hitched.


    She...


    Shes the one.


    Alexia squirmed under the intensity of his stare, her difort palpable.


    But the wariness in Adrian''s expression melted, reced by something gentler something reverent.


    Unbelievable, Adrian whispered.


    ---- Damien reached into his pocket and pulled out the test tube.


    Here, he said, extending it toward Adrian.


    Adrian''s eyes widened.


    You found it? I thought...


    I thought you didnt make it.


    L wouldn''t have, Damien admitted, ncing at Alexia.


    But she did.


    She kept me alive.


    She kept the serum safe.


    She could have handed it over to anyone, saved herself the trouble.


    But her loyalty...


    its unwavering.


    Alexias cheeks flushed, and she lowered her gaze to her hands.


    The quiet pride in Damien''s voice was more praise than she had ever received in her entire life.


    Warmth bloomed in her chest, foreign andforting.


    Before she could process the feeling, arge hand rested gently on her head.


    Her startled gaze met Adrian''s, his icy demeanor reced by warmth she had never imagined possible.


    He didn''t look like that cold hearted king anymore, she feltfortable.


    She felt that warmth in her chest ---- return.


    I''m sorry, my child, Adrian murmured, his voice uncharacteristically tender.


    I misjudged you.


    I let my fears blind me.