Chapter 380

Liam's response came as a barely audible whisper.

Evelyn's pounding heart gradually steadied as she lifted her gaze to the celestial tapestry above, its shimmering constellations wrapping her in a cocoon of tranquility.

Her cheeks burned crimson when she timidly inquired, "Liam, how much longer will you keep us drifting? We're veering off course."

With deliberate slowness, Liam attempted to push himself up, only to collapse back onto Evelyn with a pained grunt.

The crushing weight of his muscular frame made breathing difficult, sending tendrils of panic through her body.

"Liam! What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Her hands flew to his waist, frantically patting down his back.

When her fingertips brushed against his left shoulder, they came away slick with warmth. Bringing her hand to her nose, the coppery scent confirmed her worst fear.

Her heart constricted violently as she pressed against the wound, her voice breaking. "Liam...you've been shot."

His breath ghosted across her ear, weak but steady. "Don't...fret...I'll survive."

Swallowing her sobs, Evelyn carefully rolled him off and scrambled to her knees.

Clutching his injured form, she feared he might slip away with every drop of blood staining her hands.

"You absolute fool," she choked out, feeling utterly powerless.

"Cass...help me sit up," Liam rasped.

Supporting his arm, Evelyn guided him upright against the boat's edge.

With trembling fingers, Liam pointed toward the southern sky. "See that...brightest star?"

Following his gesture, Evelyn wiped her tears and nodded. "Yes, it's brilliant."

"Steer...that direction," he instructed between labored breaths.

Adjusting their course, Evelyn secured the navigation before returning to Liam's side. "Liam?" Her voice quivered with barely contained terror.

He remained motionless.

Her entire body trembled as she cradled his face. "Liam, please answer me!"

Only the faintest rise and fall of his chest gave any sign of life.

In desperation, she threw her arms around his neck, tears soaking his collar. "Liam!"

"Not...dead yet," came his deep rumble in the stillness.

Relief flooded through her, though fear still gripped her heart. "Then why won't you respond?" she demanded between sobs.

His hand found the back of her head, fingers tangling in her hair. "Cass...would you mourn me if I were gone?"

She shoved him away angrily. "Look at me! Can't you see what you're doing to me? Do my tears mean nothing?"

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "You've always been...so sensitive. Crying over every challenge...every injustice. Even wept when the neighbor's cat died."

Wiping her face roughly, she huffed, "I was a child then. I'm an adult now."

His chuckle turned into a wince. "Still my little crybaby."

Evelyn's lower lip trembled. "Promise me...no more reckless heroics," she pleaded. "You're Aldenria's general. Your life isn't yours to throw away."

Liam's smile faded as his eyelids fluttered. "You, Cass...mean more than any nation. And Evelyn Carter...is Aldenria's most precious treasure."