The dungeon opened again, but this time, Lucille did not feel that oppressive, deathly chill.
Hurried footsteps rang out, filling Lucille's heart with warmth and happiness. She knew Rowan had come.
The Mawsworn Soldiers unlocked the cell without expression, and Captain Faria immediately absorbed the deathly anima binding Lucille's shackles.
The cold restraints came away from the girl's smooth skin, leaving pale marks where they had bitten into her. Rowan's eyes filled with anguish.
"Lord Rowan, we're handing her over to you," Captain Faria said gravely.
Rowan gave him a cold glance. "Get out."
Faria seemed about to speak, but stopped. A gentle light flickered in his death-filled eyes, though sadly, it lasted only an instant.
After the merciless torment of the Maw, malice had stripped all compassion from Faria's nature, even though his past good deeds remained deep within his soul, urging him to change.
Once the guards left, only Rowan and Lucille remained in the dim, lightless dungeon.
Lucille no longer tried to keep up her brave front. She silently leaned against Rowan's solid chest and sobbed softly.
"It's all right. Everything's all right now." Rowan gathered Lucille into his arms and held her tight.
After pouring out her girlish grievances against Rowan's chest, Lucille bravely lifted her head. "Rowan, I can't just give up like this. If I leave, they'll make a huge fuss about Kul Tiras pressuring the Royal Court into releasing me. Public opinion will swing toward the royal family, and all our efforts will have been wasted."
"Silly girl. How could I bear to let you suffer here? This is my responsibility. I never should have made you shoulder it for me." Rowan stroked Lucille's cheek, pouring the tranquil power channeled through the Heart of Azeroth into her fragile body.
The breath of life