Chapter 286 One Thing Holding Her Back (2)

Elenas eyes flashed like red diamonds, and she slowly raised her dagger and pointed it at Batori. It is true that her enemy was well-prepared. However, for all the boulders to come down simultaneously, a person had to push each of them at the same time, otherwise there would be gaps. Three of the assassins had already died, and any empty spaces would be disadvantageous to them. They likely thought taking Carlisles life was more urgent than risking a fight to kill Elena. However

It will be their most fatal mistake.

As Elena witnessed this scene in person, she would never allow it to happen. Batori responded mockingly to Elenas confident attitude.

Do you know how many people we have? No matter how well you can fight, you cannot stop us.

The Blood Assassins, formed by Paveluc, were a group of the most ruthless and skilled fighters on the continent. It was unlikely that Elena could stop them when they were all gathered together, and was why Batori and the assassins werent intimidated even when she discovered them.

In the end, however, Elena grinned.

Who said I would stop you?

What?

Before Batori could even process her words, she threw the dagger in her hand.

Swiiiig

The blade cut through a rope securing one of the boulders. The boulder swayed for a heart-stopping moment, then began to roll down the cliff with a thunderous noise. It was loud enough for anyone to hear from a distance.

Batori suddenly realized her plan and turned deathly white.

Th-this!

The smile on Elenas lips broadened. Since she knew Carlisles entourage would soon pass here, they would almost certainly retreat if they saw a falling boulder ahead of them. Elena timed her move perfectly to warn Carlisle.

Batoris face flushed with rage, but Elena gave a casual smile.

What are you going to do now? The Emperor will now know that this road is dangerous.

Batori whirled towards his men.

Everyone release it now!

The timing wasnt right, but if Carlisle hadnt gotten off the road yet, there was still the possibility to trap him. At Batoris command, his men began to move quickly, and they began to release the boulders down the cliff.

Kwatatatatatang!

Elena swiftly moved into action. To protect Carlisle, he still had to prevent as many rocks from hitting the road as much as possible.

I wont let you!

She leapt towards them and tried to stop them as best she could. At the same time, she paid attention not to stray too far from where the largest boulder was secured. It had the greatest probability of hurtingor even killingCarlisle if it reached him.

Chaeng! Chaeng!

The sound of blades crashing echoed throughout the cliff side.

Elena held her breath as she staggered back and looked down at the drop below. Batori stared at her from higher up, his usual cat-like smile on his face.

Your Majesty, Ill ask you another question. How are you going to get out of here now?

She couldnt let Carlisle get near here, or else he wouldnt be able to escape. Elena needed her escort knights now, but even that wouldnt guarantee her victory if they arrived. For the first time, she could not answer any of Batoris words.

From the moment she met Batori, she had become complacent. It would take someones sacrifice to stop him from killing Carlisle, and that sacrifice would be herself.

Batori stared down at her, his face silhouetted darkly from the sun behind him.

Get her.

The assassins had given up on dropping the boulders and rushed towards Elena in unison.

I wont take this lying down.

Elena quickly swung the dagger in her hand.

Syugsyugsyug!

Her swift attack broke up the line of the Blood Assassins. She danced into a gap and quickly stabbed her blade into anyone who got into her vicinity.

Kaag!

With a short scream, one assassin fell to the ground spurting blood. She didnt stop there, and began cutting through the Blood Assassins one by one. Batoris face contorted in anger. He had been hoping for a quick victory.

This is beyond imagination.

He had heard rumors of her incredible power. Even so, it was impossible to believe that she was holding her own against a group of the most highly trained fighters in the world.

In the end, however, the disadvantage in numbers caught up to her. An assassin approached her from behind and struck her on the back.

Peog!

Ugh.

She lost her balance, but she tried to carry on the fight. Someone kicked her ankle and she collapsed to the ground. Immediately, six swords crossed over her neck. Despite the sharp edge against her skin, Elena lifted her head up and glared at Batori.

Batori had lost his smile, and his face was twisted in anger. Elena had ruined all his prepared plans, and he didnt like the way she looked at him.

He strode slowly towards her and lifted his hand.

Jjaag!

He struck her strongly on the cheek, and Elenas head whipped to the side. Batori, breathing roughly, looked around at the remaining assassins.

We will take her hostage. Be prepared to see him.

Batori smiled back at Elena and continued.

If you say Im useless, Ill kill you in an even more brutal fashion than the Second Prince. Dont bother to beg for your lifeI wont listen.

It was a considerable threat, but Elena gave a faint smile. She had thought about the worst possible scenario. Rather than burdening Carlisle, Elena would choose to commit suicide without hesitation.

However, there was one thing now holding her back.

My child

The child growing in Elenas stomach would never see light. Batori turned his heel and gave a command to his subordinates.

Lets return to the Grand Duke.