?Chapter 203:


    “Damn it…” I gritted my teeth, wiping away blood from a fresh wound carved into my side by its w. My body trembled, threatening to copse at any moment. If this continued, I wouldn’tst long, and the bear would make me its next meal.


    Atst, as it lunged again, I failed to dodge in time. The paw struck me squarely, sending me crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. Pain exploded through me, as though every bone in my body had shattered.


    Dizziness overtook me. My limbs refused to obey, and I could no longer rise. Above me, the bear loomed, roaring in triumph. Its gaping maw opened wide, descending straight toward my neck.


    Bryan’s POV:


    Today was the second day of the assessment for the women, but frankly, I had little interest in their fates. The only one who caught my attention was Makenna. As I thought about her stubborn and beautiful face, a wave of heat swelled in my chest, and I couldn’t help but smile with a mixture of indifference and contempt. Did she really believe she could pass the assessment on her own? With me around, she shouldn’t even entertain such a thought.


    My smile grew wider as I reminisced about the tricks I had yed on the hunting grounds. I was eager to see the look of disappointment on Makenna’s face. It would be a sight to behold—her failure would be as satisfying as it was inevitable.


    I strode toward the hunting grounds with a spring in my step, thrilled at the prospect of seeing Makenna’s crestfallen face after her inevitable failure—what a sight it would be. After that, I would lock her up once more, and she would surely disy that familiar mixture of fear and fury. As the image of her bare form shed through my mind, a wave of unwanted desire surged within me.


    The more I dwelled on it, the more my anticipation grew, pushing me to quicken my pace toward the hunting grounds.


    Upon arrival, I found the assessment nearing its close. To my surprise, Dominic, yton, and even Kristina were there. I had always maintained a frosty demeanor toward these individuals, so I just ignored their presence and found a spot to wait quietly as the assessment concluded. Kristina made an attempt to engage me, saying, “Your Highness, what brings you here…”


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    “Get lost!” I snapped, irritation bubbling over.


    Kristina’s eyes widened in shock as she bit her lower lip in embarrassment. Seeking help from the other princes through her gaze, she was met with indifference. Her face twisted in displeasure, but I could not help but smirk. When I turned away, I caught a fleeting glimpse of malice and schadenfreude in her eyes.


    Raising an eyebrow, I looked carefully, but Kristina had resumed her usualposed facade.


    Was I imagining it? I frowned slightly but chose to ignore it, turning my focus back to the entrance of the hunting grounds.


    I had already dispatched people to monitor the area outside the pce. Once that woman was expelled tomorrow, my subordinates would whisk her away immediately.


    The thought of Makenna’s previous rejection only heightened my excitement. I was eager to see just how obstinate she could be this time!


    The bell signaling the end of the hunting finally rang.


    As the bell echoed, the women trickled out, each bearing their game. I waited eagerly for Makenna, but even as most women hade out, she was nowhere to be seen. I raised an eyebrow. Perhaps she was too mortified to make an appearance after her dismal performance.


    Then I noticed Dominic and yton casting frequent nces toward the exit, much like me. Their expressions differed, but it was clear they were waiting for Makenna, just as I was.


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