Melody of Strength novel

Aurora returned to the capital in a state of dejection.

Barrett kept his distance from her, even though he was injured and could have used her support. He was adamant about avoiding any physical contact with her. Even the others who had been captured with her glared at her with hatred.

They knew why they had been castrated–it was because in Fawnrun City, Aurora had tortured that young general and ordered his castration, humiliating him.

Now, the eighteen soldiers who were captured had been treated the same way by the Westhaven soldiers, and they couldn’t voice their suffering or express their grievances. Their hatred for Aurora ran deep.

Throughout the journey, they avoided her as much as possible. They didn’t want to speak to her, and even when they saw her, they kept

their distance.

Aurora remembered her earlier enthusiasm, believing she would achieve great things in this war. Instead, she had returned with half her face disfigured and despised by everyone. She could barely tolerate these things, but what she found most unbearable was seeing how the soldiers idolized Carissa, how the generals protected her, and how even Rafael praised her.

Even after returning to the capital, Carissa was able to ride in the king’s carriage to receive the citizens‘ congratulations, and she was also able to attend the victory feast. Meanwhile, Aurora had to slink. back to her own residence in disgrace.

Her mood was at rock bottom.

Back at Valor Estate, she refused to see anyone. She covered her face and went straight to her room, locking the door behind her. She

sat in front of a bronze mirror, scrutinizing her redeka

Her appearance had never held a candle to Carissa’s, and now, with half her face disfigured and the remaining skin dark and rough, she looked like a village woman. Without her former confidence, brora felt as though she was no different from a peasant women. #

As her thoughts swirled aimlessly, she reminded herself that she was married and that Barrett cared for her, even if he was struggling to come to terms with her appearance. He might have thought she had been defiled, but she was innocent.

Her burns had been inflicted by Barrett himself, proving that he did not despise her looks. After all, if he valued appearances, he would haye seen that Carissa was far more beautiful and would have had no reason to marry Aurora.

Their feelings for each other were genuine. They deeply loved one another, having declared their intentions and surrendering

everything to each other at Victory Pass.

Their bond was unbreakable. Once they got through this trial, they would live happier lives than Carissa. As long as Carissa’s life was worse than hers, Aurora could find some balance within herself.

True, Carissa was now a highly sought–after general, with the added prestige of her family. But in the end, she was still second–hand goods. Noble families and people of high moral character wouldn’t marry her; only those desperate for a title would come courting.

But given Carissa’s arrogance, she wouldn’t like any of those suitors either. It seemed she was destined for a life of solitude.

Thinking this, Aurora felt a bit more at ease.

A knock sounded at the door. “Madam Aurora, Madam Rebecca requests your presence.”

Aurora frowned, her mood souring at the thought of the ailing old

woman. She hastily covered her face with a piece of brocade fabric and went to Rebecca’s residence. Inside, her father in law, Jonathan, was also present. She gave a respectful curtsy.

Jonathan nodded slightly. “It’s good that you’ve returned safely.”

Jonathan was known for his indecision and lack of ambition, which had kept him from securing a prominent official position.

But when Rebecca heard his words, she frowned. “What do you mean by that? She didn’t achieve anything, nor did Barrett. Wasn’t it all for nothing? And why are you covering your face, Aurora?”

Aurora felt a pang of frustration. When she first married into the family, Rebecca had been so warm and loving. Now, her tone was sharp and disdainful, much like how she spoke to Amelia.

“My face is still healing from my injuries,” Aurora replied coolly.

Rebecca slammed her hand on the edge of the bed. “Is it just healing wounds, or did the people of Westhaven torture you? Tell me, were you defiled by the Westhaven soldiers?!”

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