"Big brother, how could this happen?"
Mao Xing and Yu Huang arrived at the Central Pass around noon. Both were stunned by the events that had unfolded in just a few days.
Qiao Yusheng stared blankly at Lucille Xing. He knew very well that nothing he said would help now. Everyone present understood that ever since Lucille Xing came to the palace as a child, her relationship with Sophie Grant had been like sisters. As they grew older, Sophie would bring Lucille Xing along, teaching her many things from the basics, almost like a mother.
"We won the war, but the cost was too great."
Zhao Peng spoke in a low voice, tilting his head upward and letting the rain strike his cheeks. Beside him, Mao Tian forced a stiff smile.
"If only we could go back. We were truly happy then. Every day, Yuna's face was always full of smiles."
Mao Li crouched beside Lucille Xing, gently pulling her head into his arms. Still trembling, he sobbed quietly.
"Let's go home. Bring Sister Sophie back."
Lona Long quietly walked over, then knelt in front of Lucille Xing and picked up Sophie Grant's corpse. The group slowly made their way into the pass.
A massive wave of soldiers began to occupy the Central Pass. This was the last force the Grant Family could muster—less than a hundred thousand troops, now filling the losses at the pass. Over forty thousand casualties, and the war hadn't even lasted a month. The price paid was devastating.
"Yuna, are you feeling any better?"
Morning light streamed through the window into the room. Yuna Ji sat on the bed, dazed, her body covered in wounds and yesterday's blood still smeared on her face. Lona Long soaked a towel in hot water, gently wiping Yuna Ji's cheeks.
"You did well, Yuna. If it weren't for you yesterday, we might have lost the pass."
Yuna Ji seemed to recall something. Her face twisted, and she clutched her forehead, her whole body trembling violently. Lona Long gently held her.
"Rest for another half day, then we'll return to Grant City, Yuna."
"The... enemies—where are they?!"
Yuna Ji's lips trembled incessantly as she shivered and asked.
"Yusheng said the enemy won't attack for now. Their supplies can't support another battle."
Lona Long looked at Yuna Ji's terrified face, holding her and gently patting her back.
"Yuna, it's all right. I'll stay with you. It's all right..."