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Chapter 248
~Snow’s POV~
Zara’s words cut through the awkward tension, making everyone freeze. All but Kaid.
"Ivan," she repeated, "...he’s working with lvin. He was the one who captured ."
Glacier snarled in the back of my mind, the na igniting a fresh wave of rage. My fists clenched at my sides as I fought to maintain control.
"I knew that snake was still lurking," Zade muttered, his face darkening. "We should’ve finished him when we had the chance."
"Ivan." Kaid’s deep voice rumbled, his eyes narrowing as he stepped closer. "This makes things personal."
"It’s already personal," I snapped, turning toward him. "Ivan’s been a threat to Zara for years. If anyone’s going to deal with him, it’s ."
"Then why didn’t you already?" Kaid retorted.
Before the argunt could flare up again, Zara’s voice cut through. From her tone, one could tell how exhausted and frustrated she was. "Enough! This isn’t about who gets to fight who. Right now, we need to get to safety, and I need answers. Everything else can wait."
Leaning casually against a nearby tree, Golden God smirked. "Looks like the lady has more sense than the rest of you combined."
Kaid growled low, but I forced myself to focus on Zara. She was right. Every second spent arguing was another second wasted.
"Fine. We’ll deal with Ivan and lvin after we get you healed."
Zara nodded, her gaze softening slightly as she looked at . "Thank you, Snow."
Kaid’s eyes lingered on her before he turned to Richard. "Get the chopper ready. We leave imdiately."
"You heard him," Richard said briskly, already moving.
Golden God straightened, adjusting his rifle. "I’ll keep watch. You never know when another rogue might decide to get brave."
"You’re coming with us?" Kaid asked, his tone sceptical.
Golden God tilted his head, smirking. "Not a chance. I’ve done my part. I’ll hang back and make sure no one follows."
"I don’t trust him," Kaid muttered under his breath as he turned away.
"You don’t have to," Golden God called after him, grinning. "But you’ll thank later."
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The helicopter ride was tense and quiet, save from the blades as the only sound accompanying us while we soared through the night sky. Zara rested against , her breathing even but shallow. I could feel the weight of her exhaustion, the strain of everything she’d endured.
Kaid sat across from us, his gaze never leaving her. The intensity of his stare made Glacier bristle, but I forced myself to ignore it.
This wasn’t the ti for petty territorial disputes, no matter how much Kaid’s presence grated on .
Zade leaned back, his arms crossed, while he put on a mask, controlling his anger.
Everything that hapd happened today tested and enraged us.
With Zara’s life on the line, we basially beca helpless a nd lvin was right.
She hd beco a weakness.
Zara glanced a and intertwined our fingers, placing our locked hands on my thgh.
But she ws also my strength.
I knew Zade was already planning his next move, calculating how to strike back at Ivan and lvin.
As for , all I could think about was Zara. Every ti her breath hitched or her body tensed, my chest tightened with worry.
"We’re almost there," Kaid finally broke the silence.
"Where exactly is ’there’?" Zade asked rather sharply than iontended.
"My kingdom," Kaid replied. "My priestess will see to Zara’s injuries."
Zade frowned, his mistrust evident. "And how do we know she can be trusted?"
Kaid’s eyes flashed with irritation. "Because unlike so, I don’t fail the people I care about."
Zade opened his mouth to retort, but I held up a hand. "Enough. Let’s just get Zara the help she needs. We can sort everything else out later."
As the helicopter began its descent, I nlooked down. Below us, the sprawling expanse of Kaid’s territory ca into view, the vast forests and mountains bathed in moonlight.
The landing was smooth, and as soon as the doors opened, Kaid was out, barking orders to his waiting guards.
A woman in flowing robes approached, her aura radiating calm and authority. Her dark hair shimred in the moonlight, and her blue eyes assessed Zara with a mix of concern and determination.
"This is Priestess..." Kaid said, his tone softening slightly.
"Siona," Zara muttered, shocking everyone. Judging from the look on her face, she looked equally shocked to see the latter.
I glanced at Kaid. At first, his shock was evident but after that, there was a knowing smile plastered on his face.
"I see you’ve t," Kaid added, walking closer to Zara.
Zara glanced in my direction before looking elsewhere. "Good. She’ll take care of her," Kaid comnted.
"I’ll need space to work," Siona chid, glancing at everyone, "on all of you," her voice soothing.
"I’m staying with her," I said imdiately.
"As am I," Kaid added, stepping closer.
Siona’s gaze shifted between us before she sighed. "Fine. But if either of you interferes, you’ll answer to ."
Zade stayed behind, watching the exchange with a scowl. "I’ll make sure no one else gets near if you don’t behave. Zade’s tone left no room for argunt.
We were led down from the helipad to the king’s palace. Both Zara and I were taken to a private room.
From the looks of things, it belonged to Siona.
As Siona began her work, I held Zara’s hand, my heart aching with every wince and shudder.
By the ti we were done, both Zar and I were asked to relax while she treated Zade outside.
"I’m sorry," I began and Zara shook her head gently.
"No, you and Zade did plenty. Just your presence alone was everything. Thank you, Snow."
Before Zara got to finish what she was saying, I scooted close to her, wrapped my hand around her waist, and kissed her deeply.
I kissed Zara deeply, pouring all my emotions into it—the fear, the relief, the anger, and most of all, the love.
Her lips were soft but slightly chapped, a reminder of everything she’d been through.
She leaned into , her hand resting lightly on my chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of my shirt.
"Boy, I missed her."
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