?Chapter 1088:


    A heavy silence filled the room.


    Atst, Pa’s voice broke the quiet, soft but resolute. “Makenna, there’s something I need to share with you… alone.”


    Jett’s brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing with suspicion, unease brewing within him. He studied Pa, trying to read her intentions, his protective instincts on high alert.


    But when I gave him a reassuring nod, he reluctantly stepped out.


    Before leaving, he nced back worriedly. “Makenna, I’m just outside if you need me. Don’t hesitate to call.”


    “Got it,” I replied with a gentle smile, watching Jett slip from the room.


    Only then did Pae closer, her steps cautious as she approached my bedside.


    Her eyes scanned me, searching, as if weighing a heavy question.


    After a moment, she bit her lip, her expression a mix of turmoil and unease. “Makenna, how are you holding up?”


    I offered a warm smile, keeping my tone light. “I’m on the mend, much better now. But you—you seem troubled. What’s weighing on your heart?”


    Pa’s fingers fidgeted, twisting together as if wrestling with her thoughts. After a pause, she met my gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. “Makenna, I know you’re the Saint’s daughter, and you’ve given so much to save us. Your kindness shines through, and we all see you as our guiding light.”


    Her words kindled a warmth inside me, and I opened my mouth to reply, but Pa’s gaze quickly darted away, unable to meet my eyes.


    “But I can’t stomach you growing close to the Lycan royals,” she said quietly but sharply, each wordnding like a stone in my chest.


    A pang of hurt rippled through me. “Pa, why do you hold such a grudge against the three princes? They’re not their father’s shadow.”


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    Pa’sugh was bitter, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as painful memories flooded her. She squeezed her eyes shut, her voice trembling with raw emotion. “Their father butchered our people, chained us in prison for years. Do you really believe the princes are cut from different cloth? They carry his blood—a stain that can never be washed away.”


    Her anguish tugged at my heart, and with a heavy sigh, I reached for her hand, hoping to soothe her. “But they’re trying to right those wrongs. Think about it—without their aid, I couldn’t have freed you or saved Marehelm from copse.”


    Pa flinched, yanking her hand back as if my touch burned.


    “Right those wrongs?” she snapped, her eyes zing. “No one can undo the suffering of those we lost. You’re too trusting, Makenna. They’re just ying you for a fool!”


    Sorrow welled within me, but I pressed on, my voice earnest. “Pa, I know the scars of the past run deep, but we can’t let hatred chain us forever. Let’s give them a chance to prove they’re different.”


    For a fleeting moment, a flicker of doubt softened Pa’s eyes, but it was swiftly swallowed by cold resolve.


    She fixed me with an icy stare, her voice unyielding. “I’ll never trust them, and I won’t stand by their side. If you choose to align with them, I’ll lead our people away. We’ll carve our own path—and you can walk yours.”


    “Don’t be like this,” I said, trying to persuade Pa. “We need to unite right now. Only together can we stand against the Wizard n and those who wish to harm us.”


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