Picked Up a Beast, Turns Out He's an Emperor (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 42

In the midst of a chaotic hellscape filled with screams and wails, the moment had come—the glinting blade was about to fall upon her neck.

‘Close your eyes.’

A steady, low voice echoed clearly into Arabella’s ears.

Even in that brief moment, she had missed him dearly; his silhouette now blurred into her dizzy vision. At the Emperor’s words, Arabella squeezed her eyes shut tightly.

Before the sharp metal could graze her skin, the brutish hand gripping her shoulder went limp. Then—thud!—the leader of the trafficking gang, who had held Arabella hostage, collapsed backward onto the floor without even letting out a sound.

‘Don’t open your eyes.’

The Emperor’s voice beside her was calm and composed.

Though the clashing of swords and the mingled screams of traffickers and hostages filled the air, Arabella kept her eyes firmly closed, just as he had instructed.

Even without hearing the Emperor’s voice, Arabella knew. The mere certainty that he was at her side gave her the strength to steady her trembling legs.

Whish—each time the sound of a blade swept through the air, a cold gust ruffled Arabella’s hair.

And then, a profound silence fell—so deep that not even a breath could be heard.

Still keeping her eyes shut, Arabella stood rooted to the spot, clutching the hem of her dress with both hands, unmoved as if waiting for someone.

A long arm gently lifted her waist, pulling her slender frame off the ground and into a dependable embrace.

As Arabella buried her face against his chest—now somewhat familiar, broad and firm—she felt the strong thudding of his heartbeat.

The faint scent of mint and sandalwood that always accompanied him soothed her heart. Even without opening her eyes or hearing his voice, Arabella knew exactly who held her in his arms.

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