"Prince…" The single word left Maera's lips in a trembling whisper, and the moment it did, her eyes flew wide open.
Memories—sharp, chaotic, and painful—crashed into her mind all at once.
"Ah… ah, no… the prince!" she gasped, clutching her head as panic took hold. Her breathing turned ragged, her voice trembling with urgency and fear. "No, I have to—"
She tried to stand up, pushing herself off the bed in a rush, but her legs barely responded.
"Wait—calm down!" Chloe said quickly, stepping forward as Maera stumbled again, nearly falling.
Sydelle tried to hold her shoulders, but Maera's strength, though unstable, was enough to push back in panic.
"No, let me go! They've got the prince! I have to go, I have to!"
Her voice cracked, and tears welled in her eyes.
No matter how much they tried to calm her—Sydelle's reasoning, Raymond's soft tone, even Alicia's attempt to hold her steady—none of it reached her.
She was lost in desperation.
