After nearly twenty days of grueling travel, they finally arrived at Victory Pass on the third of August.


    The heat had been unbearable along the way, causing many in the party to fall ill. Fortunately, Carissa hade well-prepared with plenty of medicine. They had also brought along a royal physician, Dorian, who was able to manage the illnesses without any major issues.


    But Kendrick, having never endured such hardship, was exhausted beyond measure. By the tenth day of their journey, he could barely speak. His face and lips were pale, and the exhaustion was evident in every line of his features.


    When they finally reached the outskirts of Victory Pass and saw the Sullivan family and the troopse out to greet them, Kendrick copsed. The sight of him fainting right there gave everyone a fright, and they quickly rushed to carry him back.


    However, Carissa barely noticed Kendrick''s condition. As soon as she saw her family, she ran straight into her grandfather''s arms, tears streaming down her face without stopping.


    Dominic looked at her with affectionate eyes, gently patting her head as he, too, fought to hold back his emotions. He had thought their farewell in the capital might be theirst, never expecting they''d have the chance to see each other again.


    After a moment, he softly said, "Enough now, don''t make a scene. Wipe your tears and go greet your uncles."


    Carissa lifted her head and hastily wiped her tears, only to stop when she saw the weathered, aged face of her third uncle and the empty sleeve of his tunic. As her heart broke all over again, she turned away, tears flooding down her cheeks once


    more.


    She had known for some time that Wyatt had lost his arm, but seeing it firsthand was another kind of pain altogether.


    When the Sullivan family''s second son, Wilson Sullivan, saw Carissa, he couldn''t help but think of her mother, his own sister. His eyes reddened at the thought.


    Wyatt knew his niece was crying because of him. Swallowing the emotions welling up inside, he forced a smile and flicked his sleeve.


    "Want to test out your uncle''s sleeve technique?" he quipped.


    Before she could react, he infused his strike with inner force and sent a gust of force her way. Caught off guard, Carissa nearly lost her footing, stumbling back two steps before steadying herself.


    "Wyatt, stop teasing Carissa," Wace said with augh, stepping forward to steady her with a hand on her shoulder.


    His tan skin, much like his brothers, only seemed to entuate the bright gleam in his eyes.


    "Let me take a good look at our Starhaven female general. Truly, we are all so proud of you. Well done! Well done indeed!"


    Carissa wiped her tears with augh, her sunburned cheeks turning even redder. "Uncle Wace, you''re making fun of me. How could I possiblypare to you?"


    Since there were still other officials present, the family''s excitement at being reunited was momentarily restrained.


    Davis noticed they were looking their way and immediately led his group forward to greet them. No matter how high-ranking the officials


    present were, they all had to b


    and greet Dominic, who held no official title but was still regarded with deep respect. Dominic humbly waved them off, though he epted their gestures with the dignity of an elder.


    After exchanging pleasantries, the group headed to the marshal''s residence, Stormwatch Keep.


    The cooks had already prepared a feast to wee them, but Carissa first went to visit her aunt. Violet and the others, understanding the family''s need for a private moment, did not want to intrude, so they went to have their own meal. They weren''t concerned about Carissa, who would certainly be well taken care of.


    When Cindy saw Carissa, she immediately embraced her and cried, ovee with emotion. Her other aunts were simrly teary-eyed, unable to take their eyes off their beloved niece.


    Word of the troubles back in the capital had reached them, including Harvey''s involvement in the rebellion and Heather''s subsequent imprisonment. Naturally, Carissa''s aunts asked about Leona.


    Carissa reassured them that Leona


    was doing well and living a good life.


    As for Heather, while they all said


    she deserved her fate, deep down they were still somewhat worried Carissa exined that


    ve


    arrangements had been made in prison. Heather would endure some hardship, but it wouldn''t be unbearable.


    "She deserves it!" Cindy fumed.


    She recalled how Dominic had been confined to Sullivan Estate previously, and how Heather never once visited. The bitterness in her heart still ran deep.


    Carissa didn''t dwell on it, excusing herself to visit the memorial que of her grandmother, Edith Evans.


    Though she had fallen ill and passed away after the series of misfortunes struck the Sinir family, no official mourning period was dered upon her death.


    The court was aware of her passing, but chose not to publicize it. If they had, all the Sullivan family''s sons would have had to observe a period of mourning. Even


    if they were recalled to duty under special circumstances, it would still have involved a lot ofplications and unnecessary dys.


    With the war intensifying, many decisions had been made out of necessity, leaving little room for alternatives. Though there was no formal mourning period, all the proper rites had been observed without a single day missed.


    Carissa still remembered her grandmother clearly-Edith had always been a kind, gentle woman. She never called her granddaughter by name, but instead always referred to her by her nickname, Little Gem. It signified how she, as the only girl among her six older brothers, was as precious as a gem.


    Now, kneeling before Edith''s memorial que, Carissa couldn''t help but shed more tears.


    Her voice caught as she whispered, "Grandma, your little gem is here to see you."