Marcus couldn't stand seeing Eliana mistreated. He pulled out the poisoned dart from his waist, ready to strike Samuel at any moment. Samuel seemed unfazed, but his heart felt like it was being pierced by a thousand arrows. His eyes red with pain, he bent down to Eliana's ear and asked hoarsely, "Eli, do you really want to go with him?"

Eliana avoided looking at Samuel's nearly manic face, standing straight beside him. She responded firmly, "Samuel, we can't go back. Just let me ...