Bella's POV
Inside the palace, I collapsed to the floor of the Celestial Shrine.
My forehead nearly kissed the frigid stone, my posture one of complete submission.
From the throne above, Leopold Montgomery stared down at me, shock written across his features.
"You're the miracle healer?" His voice carried both intrigue and authority.
He clearly hadn't anticipated that Caspian's savior would be someone who appeared barely past her teens.
"Lift your head," Leopold commanded.
I straightened my spine, raised my eyes to meet the emperor's steady gaze, and spoke with deep respect, "Your humble servant, Bella, greets Your Majesty."
Leopold studied me intently. I maintained perfect composure—neither cowering nor defiant.
His expression shifted to one of approval as he continued his assessment.
Leopold released a weary sigh, "So young, yet already possessing such extraordinary healing abilities. What a tragedy that your path has been marked by such suffering."
