Viana still huddled, curled close to Prince Rayne, inside the small cottage, finally sleeping soundly. Her hand gripped Rayne's arm tightly.
Her pale face slowly regained color, thanks to the warm soup, the cloak, and Rayne's embrace. He looked at Viana with deep affection, his fingers gently combing through her tangled golden hair.
As dawn broke, the fog in the valley began to thin. Rayne decided it was safe enough to continue the journey back to Elysia.
Carefully, he carried the still-weak Viana and lifted her onto the horse. He then mounted behind Viana, ensuring his cloak remained wrapped around her.
Almost everyone kept looking back to see if any pursuers, but the fog seemed to thicken behind them.
Seeing this, Bertina remarked in awe, "Nature is on your side, Princess. They tried to save you." Viana responded only with a weak smile.
