Chapter 124. Shattered Trust

Xerina’s POV

My body ached, heavy with exhaustion. Every breath felt like fire in my chest, and the edges of my vision blurred as if the world itself was slipping away. I couldn’t remember how long I’d been in this darkness—hours, days? Time had no meaning here.

I curled up tighter, my wrists bruised from the restraints. The chains that bound me rattled, reminding me that escape was impossible. They’d kept me weak. Too weak to fight back.

I blinked, trying to focus through the haze. The walls around me pulsed, shadows shifting as if alive. I closed my eyes, just for a moment, and that’s when I saw him.

Rasmus.

He stood in front of me, his broad frame filling the doorway. His dark eyes locked onto mine, fierce and determined. My heart lurched in my chest, hope surging like a wave.

He had come for me.

“Rasmus…” I whispered, my voice hoarse.

He didn’t move. Didn’t say a word. But his presence filled the room, radiating strength. I