423 Ask Your Mother

Oriana's cry of shock pierced the air as she found herself in a situation she could never have anticipated. Arlan, in his most vulnerable state, had intervened on her behalf, and it left her astounded. His immobility had rendered him powerless, making his swift action seem almost superhuman. The effort he must have exerted was undoubtedly immense, perhaps even at the cost of his last reserves of strength. It pained her to see his frail form withstand such a powerful attack. The question echoed in her mind: Why had he protected her?

"Your Highness?" Oriana called out, struggling under the weight of Arlan's body, which now draped protectively over her. She cradled him in her arms.

Arlan, utterly depleted, couldn't respond. The last vestiges of strength had abandoned him, rendering him unable to even stand. Gently, Oriana guided him to sit on the ground, holding him close in her delicate embrace. Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched him violently cough up blood.