Chapter 1231

Chapter 1231:

“Makenna… I… I found the clue…” Alden whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. With a trembling hand, he pulled from his chest a blood-soaked ancient manuscript.

Though the cover was drenched in red, the writing inside remained sharp and clear.

I took the manuscript, my hands trembling, torn between care and pain.

“Alden, how could you push yourself this far? Your wounds…”

Alden forced a weak, sorrowful smile. His voice was a raspy whisper, yet it carried a softness that couldn’t be missed.

“These injuries mean nothing… I will do anything for you, and for Marehelm.”

I stared at him, my eyes burning as tears threatened to fall. I tightened my grip on his hand, my voice thick with emotion.

“You’re being foolish. Your life is more important than anything else!”

Alden shook his head slightly, his gaze burning with fierce resolve.

“Makenna, if it means your safety, I’d risk it all.”

I couldn’t hold it in anymore. Tears spilled down my face, landing on his shaking hand. I brushed my eyes quickly, trying to fight back the rising tide of panic. Forcing my voice steady, I said,

“Alden, save your strength. I’ll get you to the doctors right away.”

He shook his head again, managing a faint, forced smile. His voice was barely more than a breath, fragile and fading.

“Makenna, I have something I must tell you.”

I leaned in close, tilting my head to catch his trembling lips.

“Makenna, I love you with all my heart…”

The words hit me like a blade straight through the chest. I froze, tears welling up and spilling over, splashing onto his pale cheek.

R3ad th3 l4t3st 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m

But then his eyelids fluttered shut, and his body went limp. He slipped into unconsciousness in an instant.

“Alden!” I cried, clutching him tightly, my voice breaking with despair and helplessness. Tears poured down my face uncontrollably, each one heavy with guilt and regret.

“It’s all my fault! I should never have let you go for that manuscript…”

At that moment, footsteps sounded behind me. I turned my head and saw Dominic approaching. His eyes fell on Alden and me, and his expression hardened. Suspicion and irritation flickered in his gaze.

“Makenna, what is the meaning of this?” Dominic asked, his voice cold and sharp, laced with doubt.

I looked up, tears blurring my vision.

“Alden almost died for us,” I whispered. “He needs a doctor right now. Please, focus on what matters.”

Dominic stopped in his tracks. His gaze finally settled on Alden. He took in the blood-stained armor and the deep gash on his shoulder. His cold exterior suddenly cracked, giving way to stark shock.

“How did this happen?”

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