Chapter 43 She's Alive

• It took a lot of pleading from Ashina, but at last, Jasmine reluctantly gave in and led Ashina to the meeting room with Leslie and the Arthenish visitors, her mother included. Moving didn't help lessen the pain Ashina felt all over her body; it only made it worse. Ashina gnashed her teeth in anguish as she headed for the room. It hurt so badly, but she knew she had to do this. She barged into the room, and despite the loud noise the doors made, no one turned to see her. She looked around and took in the sight. Dressed in their noble clothes were Arthenish and Scytan royal council members.
• Commanders from both kingdoms were also available. She observed that they were all fixated on one corner of the room. Even if Ashina was deaf and blind, she was still going to sense that something was going on at that corner. The bloodlust that emanated from there was so strong and though it wasn't directed towards her, it still sent shivers down her spine. This explains why no one noticed her loud entry. She took in the view from the corner. She let out a gasp, and her brow furrowed in fear. It was just what she had feared was about to happen. If she had wasted any more moments before arriving, Princess Leslie would have been dead.
• "Mother, don't!" This time Ashina cried out, and this time her presence was noticed. Everyone turned to see her. The bloodlust Queen Leah reeked of instantly vanished the moment she recognized the voice. Her eyes widened in surprise and her jaw dropped as she slowly turned to see if it was truly who she thought it was.