As Marco walked away, the sounds of his friends' voices faded into the distance. He was alone now, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Lumina. But the beauty did little to ease his troubled heart.
He found a quiet spot by a stream, the gentle gurgling of the water a soothing balm to his wounded spirit. He sat down, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and despair.
He thought about the Blood Queen, her cunning deception, and the way she had skillfully turned his friends against him. He thought about Benjo's harsh words, the disappointment in Lyra and Rico's eyes. It was all too much to bear.
But amidst the despair, a glimmer of determination sparked within him. He would not let the Blood Queen win. He would prove his innocence and regain his friends' trust. He was Marco, the protector of Lumina, and he would not give up.