The Barter Novel Sierra and Xavier

---- Chapter 501 The cramped confines of Alecias tent felt like they were closing in on her as she scrambled to shove her belongings into a battered backpack.

Her trembling hands fumbled with the bags zipper, her tears blurring her vision.noveldrama

She wiped her face with the back of her hand, but the tears refused to stop, flowing like a river she couldn't dam.

Images of Damien and Zariyan together burned in her mind, playing in an agonizing loop.

His gazethe way it softened for Zariyan, the intensity of it, like she was the center of his universehaunted her.

Alecia felt as though she'd been crushed under the weight of her own insignificance.

Her heart ached in ways she didnt know were possible She had made up her mind.

Her decision was stoned.

---- Chapter 501 She was leaving She had no idea where she would go, its very dangerous outside, she will go back to living the life of surviving on edge, relive the fear of dying every second but it didnt matter.

She just needed to be anywhere but here.

The air was suffocating here.

She cant see him...

See them.

Together.

Her world of dreams was better than reality and she had been forced to wake up and live in it.

The world could crumble tomorrow for all she cared; her world had already shattered today.

There is nothing left to stay here.

Go damn with the world.

Be it selfish...

but she cant stay.

Her breath hitched as she shoved a few more items into the bag, her mind racing.

He wasn't mine, she thought bitterly, her nails ---- digging into the canvas of the backpack.

He never was.

Then why am I feeling like this? Wasn't my fate known already? The sound of knuckles rapping against the wooden frame of her door froze her in place.

Alecias pulse quickened, dread curling in her stomach.

Slowly, she straightened, wiping her face with trembling hands before crossing the room.

As she pulled the door open, her breath caught.

It was the last person she expected to see there.

Standing before her was Zariyan.

Alecias eyes widened in shock, her throat tightening as she took in the princess's presence.

Zariyan was composed, dressed in an elegant body hugging clothes, her brown eyes fierce with an unshakable determination that only deepened Alecias sense of inadequacy.

P-Princess Zariyan, Alecia stammered, stumbling ---- over the words as she quickly bowed her head.

You're here...

How may I help you? Zariyan inclined her head slightly, her gaze unwavering May I come in? Alecia scrambled to recover.

Of course! I'm so sorryplease, come in.

She stepped aside hastily, trying to ignore the pang of embarrassment as Zariyan stepped into the cluttered tent.

The princess's sharp eyes scanned the room, taking in every detailthe overturned crate doubling as a table, the makeshift cot with its threadbare blanket, the pile of clothes spilling out of an open trunk.

Alccias cheeks flushed as she rushed to gather the clothes from a chair, clearing a place for Zariyan to sil I'm sorry for the mess.

Please, have a scat.

Zariyan sat down gracefully, her every movement