Night fell, and the Westhaven army descended from the mountain. When the troops began to move, Carissa and Violet knew about it and exchanged glances.
Carissa stood up, and issued a command, “Everyone, stay alert! Weapons at the ready.”
The entire Mystic Army rose to their feet. Holding their shields and weapons in hand, they swiftly moved into their battle formation.
The Westhaven soldiers moved quickly, descending the mountain in three parallel columns. The soldiers at the front held torches, with one torchbearer every ten men to provide illumination.
The mountain was icy, making their rapid descent risky. A single slip could cause a disastrous chain reaction. Yet, they moved with remarkable steadiness, clearly wearing specially designed footwear.
Westhaven was a wealthy and powerful kingdom, and its troops were showcasing its financial might at this moment. Their actions served as a stark reminder to the Starhaven soldiers that engaging in large–scale warfare with Westhaven would not be advantageous.
Soon, ten thousand Westhaven soldiers stood on the field, facing off against the Mystic Army.
Neither side made a move.
Barrett charged forward, shouting angrily, “Where have you taken Aurora?”
Liam slowly emerged from the front ranks of the Westhaven troops. A distance of about ten paces separated the two armies.
Barrett had only rushed to stand in front of the Mystic Army, but he didn’t dare rush over to question Liam directly.
Liam glanced at Barrett, but offered no response. His gaze shifted to Carissa, and a complex mix of emotions flickered in his eyes.
“General Sinclair, may we speak privately?” he asked.
Carissa, still holding her Rose Spear, nodded. “Certainly.”
Liam looked at the Rose Spear with a deep sigh. “No weapons. But if you’re concerned, you may bring another person. I will approach alone.”
“Cari, I’ll come with you,” Violet immediately said.
However, Carissa pointed to Barrett. “You should come with me.”
Barrett was initially stunned, but he quickly nodded in agreement. “Alright!”
He needed to know where Aurora was, and whether she was alive or dead. Still, he was puzzled as to
why Carissa chose him instead of her own friend.
Liam approached without any weapons, and Carissa handed the Rose Spear to Violet. Barrett hesitated for a while, reluctant to put down his sword
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“If it comes to fighting, we can begin immediately. With just our two thousand men against their hundred thousand, there’s no chance,” Carissa said coolly.
Only then did Barrett lower his sword and walk alongside Carissa.
They reached a point where there was a five–pace gap between the two armies. The wind howled, so the distance made it difficult for anyone else to overhear their conversation, unless it was Violet and Carissa’s other friends.
Liam observed the slender woman in front of him. Though unarmed, her confidence and dignified presence belied her age of barely twenty. She stood before him with no trace of hesitation or caution, exuding an air of grace and composure.
In contrast, Barrett’s gaze was sharp, and he was scanning the surroundings with evident suspicion and caution.
Though Liam knew of Barrett, their only encounter had been from afar after the Westhaven troops had retreated from Victory Pass.
Liam bowed slightly, and addressed Carissa. “I am Liam Tudor, the marshal of Westhaven. General Sinclair, your demeanor indeed reflects the excellence of your lineage. The apple does not fall far from
the tree.”
His tone was admiring, but his eyes revealed a complex mix of emotions.
Carissa didn’t return the bow. She merely stood silently with a cold expression.
Barrett also didn’t bow. Instead, he stared at Liam,and demanded, “Where have you taken Aurora? Is she dead or alive?”
Liam glanced at him with visible disdain. “You’re Barrett Warren, once General Sinclair’s husband and now Aurora’s.”
As Liam spoke, he cast a contemptuous look at Barrett.
Feeling the disdain in Liam’s gaze, Barrett’s fists clenched in anger. “I only ask you this: is Aurora dead or alive? You have no reason to mistreat or kill prisoners of war!”
Liam’s eyes were as cold as steel, and they were fixed sharply on Barrett’s face. “You have no right to say such things.”
