An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2680

Chapter 2680

Now, all they could hope for was to take a few supplies and search for another way out through the cave.

Even if the chance of survival was slim, it was still better than marching straight toward a dead end.

Captain Alongi’s face turned pale. He clenched his fists, wanting to scold them—but when his eyes met the terror and despair in the faces of the men who had once fought beside him, the words caught in his throat. His duty and loyalty kept him silent.

Stevie, frustrated and angry, stamped her foot. “You… How can you do this? His Highness has treated you with kindness, and now that we’re in danger, you want to abandon her?”

Grace looked at the desperate guards before her, each trembling and pleading for life. Her heart ached. Disappointment and sorrow welled within her, but above all, she felt compassion—and a deep sense of helplessness.

She understood their fear. Even Iker had seen no hope in the road ahead. Who among them wouldn’t be terrified? They weren’t faithless, just broken. The endless terror and the deaths of their companions had shattered what courage they had left.

Taking a steadying breath, Grace fought back the sting in her eyes. Though her voice was soft and hoarse, it carried a quiet strength.

“Forget it,” she said. “Since you wish to leave, I won’t stop you.”

Zhaotie, Housan, Kui, and the others were taken aback—then relief and joy flickered across their weary faces.

Grace walked to the small pile of remaining supplies and counted them carefully.

There were five bags of clean water, some dry rations, and the box of healing pills resting quietly beside them.

She took three bags of water, a portion of the food, and several ordinary wound and detoxification pills from the box. Wrapping them neatly in a cloth, she turned and handed the bundle to Zhaotie.

“Your Highness!” Stevie and Alongi exclaimed in alarm.

Grace lifted her hand, signaling them to stop.

Her gaze softened as she looked at the men. “Everyone chooses their own path. I won’t force you to stay. Take these. I hope they help you survive and find a way out.”

Zhaotie and the others stood frozen, their expressions conflicted. None of them had expected the princess to agree so easily—or to share the precious supplies.

Shame and gratitude washed over them, mingling with confusion.

“Your Highness, I…” Zhaotie’s voice cracked. His hands trembled as he accepted the heavy bundle.

“No need to say more,” Grace interrupted gently, her tone weary but kind. “Whatever happens, live. If you manage to return home safely, please… check on my father for me.”

Her words struck like a blade to the heart. The men lowered their heads, unable to meet her eyes.

Grace turned to Old Jhangi, the guard with the broken arm. “What about you? If you wish to leave, it’s not too late. You can still take your share.”

Old Jhangi looked at her, then down at his empty sleeve. A bitter smile tugged at his lips. “In this state, I’ll die wherever I go. I’d rather stay with Your Highness. At least that way, I’ll die with some peace.”

He chose to stay—not because he believed they’d survive, but out of a quiet loyalty that death itself couldn’t shake.

Two other guards hesitated for a long moment. Their eyes darted between the departing group and Logan, whose calm, unreadable face gave nothing away. In the end, they clenched their teeth and stepped forward to stand beside Alongi, choosing to stay.

Finally, Zhaotie, Housan, Kui, and two others bowed deeply to Grace, guilt shadowing their faces. Without another word, they turned and disappeared into the dark tunnel, their footsteps fading into silence.

Now, only seven remained in the cave—Grace, Stevie, Logan, Captain Alongi, Old Jhangi, and the two guards who stayed behind.

The air was still heavy, but the tension of open conflict had vanished, replaced by a grim calm and quiet resolve.

Logan, who had been silent all this time, finally opened his eyes. His gaze lingered on Grace, and a faint, unspoken admiration flashed within it.

He didn’t comment on those who had left. Instead, his voice was steady and cool. “Everyone walks their own path. Forcing them to stay would’ve been useless. Weak resolve only leads to disaster.”

Grace nodded. She knew he was right.

Letting them go was the right choice—not just out of kindness, but to protect those who remained from instability.

“Let’s rest for a bit, then move on,” she said softly but firmly. “The road ahead is dangerous, but since we’ve chosen it, we’ll see it through.”

Logan inclined his head and closed his eyes again, resuming his meditation.

He knew, as did everyone else, that the true trial was only just beginning.