?Chapter 867:


    I seized his arm as I hissed, “Stay calm! Rushing in now will doom both them and us—we’d aplish nothing but our own destruction!”


    As I struggled to restrain Jett, Alden’s face transformed into a storm cloud of rage. He shot to his feet, his voice thundering through the air, “Cody! What in heaven’s name do you think you’re doing?”


    Cody maintained his veneer of righteousness, each word dropping like poison honey from his lips. “Alden, word has reached me that the Pierce family has been scouring the realm for the Dream Herb. As fortune would have it, I possess a precious Dream Herb in my collection.”


    His lips curved into what might have passed for a smile among serpents. “As friends, I would dly offer it to Mr. Pierce.”


    Without warning, his tone shifted, malice flickering across his features like shadow-y. “However, Mr. Pierce and I have long stood at opposite ends of the political spectrum—a circumstance I find most… regrettable.”


    “What exactly are you implying?” Alden’s face had drained of color, leaving only fury etched in stark lines.


    Cody’s gaze slithered over the children, a predator assessing prey. “Alden, should you consent to take Mr. Pierce’s ce and separate these children from their heads, the Dream Herb shall be yours without hesitation.”


    The veil lifted from my eyes—Cody’s true intention zed forth with terrible rity.


    This borate trap served dual purposes: to humiliate Dayton publicly while simultaneously forcing Alden into an impossible position. Such calcted cruelty could only spring from the ckest of hearts.


    Cody’s words sent ice crystals racing through my veins.


    Though my time here spanned mere days, Dayton’s reputation had reached even my ears. The people of Marehelm adored him for his generosity andpassion—qualities as rare as they were precious in these troubled times. Dayton had consistently championed peace between the warring ns, extending olive branches where others brandished swords.


    Yet here stood Cody, crafting a devastating dilemma for Alden—save these innocent children and abandon all hope of acquiring the Dream Herb, or stain Dayton’s honorable name by personally executing these youngsters to obtain the coveted prize.


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    Like father, like son—Antoni had learned his despicable tactics at the master’s knee. They were cut from the same dark cloth, willing to trample any moral boundary in pursuit of their ambitions.


    At this moment, Alden stood paralyzed, hisplexion ashen as a visible war raged within him. The weight of an impossible choice hung heavy on his shoulders.


    The children gazed at us with hollow eyes devoid of hope, resignation etched into their small faces. They had already epted the cruel hand fate had dealt them—a surrender soplete it shattered my heart into countless pieces.


    Meanwhile, Cody swirled the wine in his ss with deliberate slowness, savoring the moment. A mocking smile yed across his lips as he addressed Alden with feigned nonchnce. “Alden, have you reached your decision? I don’t have much patience…”


    Before he could finish, the banquet hall doors burst open with a resounding bang.


    A servant rushed in, hurrying to Cody’s side and whispered something in his ear.


    Cody’s smug smile vanished like morning dew under a harsh sun. He shot to his feet, shock rippling across his features as he demanded, “What did you say? All three princes have arrived?”


    Makenna’s POV:


    All three princes had arrived?


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