?Chapter 671:


    I wiped the tears from my face and forced a smile. “I’m fine. I just got a little emotional, but I’m better now.” I took a deep breath to steady myself and then opened the door.


    As yton had said, the tokeny on the ground, glinting quietly in the faint sunlight.


    I frowned. Part of me wanted to leave it there, but then I worried someone with ill intentions might pick it up and use it to harm yton.


    With a sigh, I hesitantly picked it up, deciding I would return it to him the next time I saw him.


    Martin watched me, his face clouded with guilt. “This is all my fault. If I hadn’t been here, you wouldn’t have gotten into a fight with the prince. I’m so sorry.”


    Reassuringly, I said, “It’s not your fault, Martin.”


    I paused for a moment, then continued firmly, “I promise I’ll find a way to stop Antoni from bothering you. I’m here for you.”


    “Thank you so much,” Martin said, bowing gracefully before taking his leave.


    Once he was gone, Evie came up to me and curiously asked, “How do you n to help Martin, Makenna?”


    Makenna’s POV:


    How could I help Martin?


    I let out a faint, wry smile. “Honestly, I don’t have a clear n either. But Martin only caught Antoni’s attention because of me. Ignoring it would feel wrong—like running from a fire I started.”


    Evie, sitting beside me, pressed her lips together in thought. “Maybe you should just let it be,” she murmured softly. “Martin’s sharp. He’ll figure a way out of it.”


    Her arms folded across her chest, her posture defensive, as if shielding herself from what she wasn’t saying aloud.


    Your favorite tales live on g?lnσνe??s


    I couldn’t help but chuckle, a mix of amusement and exasperation bubbling up. Evie was clearly worried I’d end up shouldering more than I could handle. I reached out and patted her shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile. “Don’t stress, Evie. I’ve got this.”


    Her shoulders sagged as she sighed, clearly unconvinced. Still, she said nothing more, though her eyes betrayed the worry she couldn’t quite hide.


    The ticking clock on the wall caught my attention. Time for training.


    I shook off the lingering thoughts and headed to the training room.


    The moment I stepped inside, I felt the weight of stares drilling into me—judgmental, calcting, sharp as daggers.


    The group of sex ves who used to harass me had stopped their outright confrontations, but their whispered jabs and smug nces remained.


    They huddled in tight circles, exchanging low murmurs, punctuated by infuriating smirks.


    It was maddening, but I’d grown adept at ignoring them. I calmly took my usual spot and waited for the session to begin.


    Alice soon joined me, her concern evident in the way her brows knitted together. “How did everything go yesterday? I’ve been so worried—I was afraid Antoni might have caused more trouble for you.”


    Her genuine worry warmed something deep in me. I offered her a small smile. “It’s under control. Nothing to lose sleep over, I promise.”


    But even as I said it, a knot tightened in my chest. Lowering my voice, I confessed, “It’s Martin I’m worried about. You know how troublesome Antoni can be. If he keeps targeting Martin, I’m not sure I’ll be able to protect him.”


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