Zhao Li Xin returned on a military plane sent to pick her up after completing his mission. Lucia sat alone in the corner of the cabin, her wrists bound with magical manacles that suppressed her magic, preventing her from using even a trace of her powers. Although it wasn't necessary, as her arms were still crippled by Zhao Li Xin.
The aircraft was filled with the King's Men, who were busy documenting the rescued victims of the human sacrifices. Most of them trembled uncontrollably, their bodies gaunt from starvation, their faces hollow, and their eyes haunted by unspeakable terror.
The soldiers moved among them with quiet efficiency, draping blankets over shaking shoulders and offering cups of hot tea and soup. Gentle words of reassurance accompanied every gesture, yet the pity in their eyes was impossible to hide. Every testimony they recorded only deepened the hatred burning inside them.
Their resentment toward Lucia nearly overflowed.
