Observing the knob turning, she hurriedly tipped over the bowl of milk for the puppy, causing dog food to scatter across the floor.

With her back turned to the door, she began gagging herself, attempting to vomit.

The door swung open, and Ariana vomited, expelling mostly stomach acid.

The door swung open, and two people came in. One carried a blanket and food, while the other, visibly repulsed by the scene inside, pinched his nose and said, "Didn't we mention to get you food already? Were you so desperate that you snatched food from the dog?"

With a disdainful expression, he pushed his companion forward, instructing, “You deal with this. I've been summoned elsewhere; I must leave now."

With that, he departed in revulsion, leaving his companion remaining in the room.

Ariana, facing away from the door, could only hear it close abruptly.

She felt anxious, uncertain if the remaining person was Holden.

Initially, she had feigned vomiting, but the rations provided here, consisting of low-quality grains and wild vegetables, had been barely edible.

Due to the hierarchical food distribution and her status as a trainee ‘beast slave’, Ariana had been limited to these meals. Recently, her meals had become irregular, leading her from feigned sickness to actual vomiting.

Feeling the painful twist in her stomach, she lacked the strength to face whoever was present.

As she felt her knees were about to give way, a pair of hands provided support for her.

Ariana paused, enveloped instantly in a familiar aroma and comforting warmth.

Although she had mentally braced herself, the reality of the moment felt surreal.

Struggling to calm her trembling heart, she turned around slowly, tears welling up in her eyes.

Upon seeing the face she had missed for a long time, she instantly cried.

Holden, his eyes already welled with tears, had witnessed all Ariana's sufferings-the training grounds, the battles, and the torment she had suffered-and had felt utterly powerless.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't arrive sooner," Holden whispered, embracing Ariana and tenderly running his fingers through her hair.

Ariana, attempting to stifle her sobs so that she and Holden didn't draw attention, cried softly with her face nestled against his chest.

Clutching Holden's shirt tightly, she shook her head.