---- 276.


    SALVATION OR TRAP? NARRATOR Mérida stepped out of the house, antern hanging from her old hands, and when she saw them in the state they were incovered in wounds, dirt, and bloodher eyes widened in shock.


    "For heaven''s sake! What happened to you?" She rushed over to examine Sigrid.


    Her skin was burning hot, trembling, and drenched in sweat, her eyes shut tight as she endured excruciating pain, constantly battling against Electra.


    "I need you to heal Sigrid with your herbs! HEAL HER NOW!" Ss roared uncontrobly, darkness cloaking him entirely, on the verge of breaking free from the restraints of his sanity.


    He was begging for help from an elemental healer when, with his own magic, he could heal wounds.


    But he knew he couldnt keep her trapped inside Electras body.


    He didnt know how to wield that kind of magiche only knew destruction andbat.


    He wasnt a real mage, nor did he possess such abilities.


    "calm down, calm down...


    Dont feed her here, its too dangerous.


    Its better to take her insi" Méridas words got caught in her throat.


    She abruptly looked up at the starry sky, her brow furrowing.


    ---- A sh of lightning illuminated her aged pupils.


    Something was approaching fastand it was powerful.


    Even she could feel that magic, brimming with fury.


    "You cant stay here.


    You cant fight this close to the vige, or youll end up destroying everything, and besides, youre in no condition.


    Come on, follow me." "No! I have to feed her now to strengthen her" "T''ll take you somewhere safer! Dont be stubborn!" she shouted, grabbing his arm and pulling him along.


    Ss hesitated for a moment.


    He knew they had been followedthat Queen Selenia was closing in.


    He had to protect Sigrid no matter what; he couldnt lose her.


    But he was also terrified of leaving her unguarded, of letting his guard down even for a moment and having her vanish from his sight.


    Better to hide her for a moment, maybe both of them, and recover.


    It was the smartest choice.


    He stood up, cradling the only thing he loved in this world in his arms, and blindly followed the healer as she led them deeper into the dark forest, further away from the vige.