?Chapter 1021:


    We halted in a vast, open field beyond the walls.


    “Bring Antoni over!” Cody ordered, sounding a little anxious.


    The soldiers led Antoni forward, and he staggered, blood seeping from the wound on his shoulder, draining what little strength he had left.


    When Cody saw Antoni’s condition, something flickered in his expression—an almost imperceptible trace of pain. But in the next instant, he shoved me forward, snarling, “GO! Make the exchange!” I stumbled forward, almost falling.


    Tension hung thick in the air. Archers stood poised on both sides, bows drawn, their arrows trained on Antoni and me, ready to fire at the slightest misstep.


    Though my wounds had begun to heal, the lingering pain seared through me as I trudged forward with weak steps. Antoni moved unsteadily as well.


    As we neared each other, just as we passed, a familiar scent drifted toward me from Antoni.


    I blinked in surprise, a flicker of doubt creeping into my mind. Why did this scent feel so familiar?


    But before I could process it all, we had already reached our respective camps.


    Bryan rushed to me first, his concern evident as he took hold of my arm. Dominic’s expression was lined with worry, his voice low yetced with guilt. “How are you? Are you still in pain?”


    The fear I had kept buried suddenly surged, making my legs weak beneath me. I nearly copsed.


    yton reacted instantly, his arms securing around my waist, steadying me within his firm hold.


    Pressing against his chest, I forced myself to speak, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m okay.”


    But as the reality of the moment settled in, frustration burned through me. “Are we seriously letting Cody walk away just like that? It’s as if we’re setting a criminal loose!”


    Next part is at g????????ν??????.co??


    Dominic met my gaze, a smirk curving his lips. “He’s not going anywhere.”


    His words left me confused, but before I could question him, chaos erupted on Cody’s side.


    I spun around and saw that Antoni had a dagger pressed against Cody’s throat.


    What was happening?


    Antoni was holding Cody hostage?


    Makenna’s POV:


    As I watched the unfolding scene, disbelief seized me so suddenly that I could barely trust my own eyes.


    Was this a hallucination?


    Could it really be that Antoni had captured Cody? Cody’s face was a mask of confusion, his eyes wide with shock, reflecting the chaos around him.


    He struggled, writhing desperately in an attempt to escape Antoni’s hold, but every futile movement only brought the cold edge of the dagger closer to his throat.


    “Antoni! What madness has possessed you?” Cody bellowed, his voice a mix of outrage and disbelief.


    A chilling smile curled on Antoni’s lips. “Look closer, old fool. Do you still believe I’m your flesh and blood?”


    Before the weight of his words could settle, Antoni’s appearance began to shift, his face melting away to reveal the sharp, unmistakable features of Jett.


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