?Chapter 564:


    Yes… We had been at the edge of that cliff, and Dominic had thrown himself in harm’s way to shield me. Then we tumbled down together…


    The memory of those moments before I cked out flooded back, a sickening wave of dread rising within me. Dominic had taken that blow meant for me. But where was he now?


    Ignoring the pain that seared through every fiber of my body, I pushed myself up, my eyes frantically searching for any sign of him.


    Every movement felt like I was being pierced by a thousand knives, but I forced myself to press on, desperation driving me.


    Finally, I spotted him not far from the cliff’s base, lying motionless on the ground.


    “Dominic!”


    Seeing him was like finding an anchor in a storm. I scrambled over to him, my heart pounding in my chest. As I got closer, I saw the extent of his injuries. His clothes were drenched in blood, once-fine fabric now ragged and torn. A long, vicious wound ran down his arm, still oozing blood, the bone visible beneath. My throat tightened, tears flooding my eyes.


    How could he be hurt so badly?


    With trembling hands, I reached out, gently shaking him as I choked out his name. “Dominic, wake up… please, wake up!”


    My tears fell onto his face, mingling with the bloodstains. After what felt like an eternity, Dominic’s eyes flickered open, his voice a faint whisper.


    “Stop shaking me… makes my head spin…”


    I stopped instantly, relief crashing over me so forcefully I could hardly breathe.


    “Thank goodness you’re alive. I would have regretted it forever if you hadn’t survived.”


    Dominic’s lips quirked into a weak smile. Even through his pain, he managed a faintly mocking tone.


    “I never thought I’d see a heartless woman like you shedding tears over me. Maybe these injuries were worth it after all.”


    I wanted to scold him for that, but seeing him so vulnerable, my anger melted into something else—a sorrow, a regret I couldn’t put into words.


    “Just stop talking like that…” I cried, and the tears came harder, unstoppable now.


    Makenna’s POV:


    I sat beside Dominic, the rain pouring down, drenching me as I covered my mouth and let out a sob, my mind a storm of confusion and fear.


    “Stop crying.” Dominic raised a shaky hand, his voice faint as he reached to wipe my tears. “Go find some shelter… or I’ll end up soaked to the bone, even if I did manage to survive that fall.”


    “Alright,” I nodded, quickly brushing away my tears, my eyes scanning the bleak surroundings. Finally, a dark cave caught my attention, and a spark of hope red inside me.


    “There’s a cave up ahead. We can take cover there, alright?”


    Dominic’s gaze followed mine, and with a weak nod, he agreed.


    Taking a deep breath, I carefully supported his battered frame, struggling to keep him steady as we staggered toward the cave.


    His weight pressed down on me, each step a strain, leaving me nearly breathless. Though it wasn’t far, the distance stretched out endlessly, and I couldn’t say how long we struggled before we finally made it inside.


    Gently, I lowered Dominic to the ground, taking in his injuries with a heavy heart as I choked out, “Your Highness… what are we supposed to do now?”


    .


    .


    .