A forest, a rescue site, and a couple in the middle of it all.
The whole scene looked like something out of a tragic fairytale two people clinging to life after surviving hell.
But before the moment could linger, Richard walked over, arm in a makeshift sling and bandaged up. He cleared his throat “Alright, it’s getting lat” vra
should head back.”
‘Does Shari’s face really need that much wiping? That punk better not be using this as an excuse to take advantage
Nicholas calmly tucked away the bloodstained handkerchief and glanced around. “Is the area secure?”
“We left one Velvyn alive for study. The rest are down. There’s still a lot dormant in the swamp though. We’ll need the Academy team to figure out why one of the men reported.
“Good. Leave two teams behind to keep watch. The rest, come with me–we’re escorting them down the mountain,” Nicholas ordered
His voice was crisp, authoritative, instantly shifting from tender boyfriend to commanding leader.
It was only then that Sharon noticed just how many Velvyn corpses were piled below the high ground.
The swamp had absorbed most of the green–black blood. From a distance, nobody would know anything had happened.
She let out a slow breath. ‘Thank God Nicholas got here.’
A delayed sense of dread swept over her. If her decision had gotten any of her brothers hurt–or worse–she wouldn’t have been able to live with it.
She would’ve lost control completely.
“It’s over, Shari. You did great,” Richard said softly, ruffling her hair as he looked down at her with quiet pride.
‘My little sister… When did she become the one holding everyone together?‘
Sharon blinked, surprised, and then gave him a small smile. “Let’s go home.”
They began their descent.
It was the first moment she’d had to glance over at Merrick–and that was when she noticed the empty space beneath the bandage on his right arm.
His hand was gone.
Sharon’s chest tightened. She hadn’t realized he’d been hurt that badly. The image of that Velvyn biting into Richard’s arm flashed back in her mind, and she swallowed hard.
‘That could’ve been him. That almost was him.‘
She looked at Merrick. “Are you okay?”
“Didn’t die. Lost my right hard, but I’ve still got the left,” Merrick said quietly.
His face was pale. Something in his energy had changed–he was no longer cool and detached, but grim and hollow.
She understood. Everyone who’d escorted him in had died.
It was the kind of weight not everyone could survive.
Sharon didn’t say anything more.
Chapter 208
As they reached the base of the hill, the ground turned soggy again. Water pooled in dips and divots across the trail. She looked down at her Condi
another step and they’d be ruined.
I’ll carry you,” Nicholas offered.
“I’ll do it,” Marvin said at the same time.
A beat later. Jeffrey shouldered Marvin aside. “Let me. I’ve still got energy.”
Jeffrey and Marcus had been protected during the fight. Physically, they were in the best shape now.
“It’s fine,” Sharon said, shaking her head. Then she reached out and took Nicholas‘ hand. “He’ll carry me.”
There was still a way to go, and no guarantee more Velvyn wouldn’t show up. Her brothers were already running on fumes. No need to add to their
exhaustion.
All eight of them frowned, clearly unhappy with the decision.
‘She’s our sister. We’re not that tired yet. Why does he get to carry her?‘
But Sharon had already made her choice.
Nicholas‘ lips twitched into a subtle smile. He crouched down in front of her, his broad back forming a strong, steady line beneath the black uniform.
Without hesitation, Sharon climbed on and wrapped her arms around his neck.
‘He’s my fiancé. May as well put him to use.‘
Nicholas carried her with care, his long strides steady and sure as he waded through the swamp. His tall boots sank into the muck but never faltered, keeping her shielded from the filth completely.
An hour later, they made it out of the forest.
As they stepped onto the familiar grass of the Vance extended family estate, Sharon blinked like she’d just woken from a fever dream.
The sun had been shining when they left. Everything had felt so calm. Now, it was like a different world.
A crowd rushed out to meet them. Walter led the charge, practically running. “Is everyone alright?”
His eyes went straight to Merrick–and when he saw the missing arm, his expression cracked. Tears filled his eyes. “You’re alive. That’s what matters. You’re alive.”
Right now, nothing else was more important than that.
Nicholas stepped forward. “We need doctors. And rooms for everyone to shower and change.”
“They’re ready. Follow me.”
Walter led them to his villa, where they’d already cleared out the first and second floors. Doctors and nurses were waiting inside.
The group looked like they’d been through hell.
Sharon pressed her lips together. “You can put me down now.”
“I’ll take you to your room,” Nicholas said simply.
Still carrying her, he headed up the stairs. Joan followed behind.
At the door to her room, Nicholas finally set her down. He turned slightly, eyes locking on hers. “I’ll handle everything from here. Don’t worry.”
Chapter 208
Okay
She nodded and watched him leave before turning back inside.
The second the door shut, Sharon’s expression shifted. Her face turned cold. Joan followed her in, shutting the door behind them. Clean clothes were laid out on the bed.
Sharon kicked off her ruined shoes. Her feet were raw and bleeding.
She pulled out her phone. Now that they
were back in
range,
,her screen lit
up
with a flood of messages.
[Shari, are you okay? Reply if you see this.]
[Something’s off about that swamp. Be careful–it r
““ght’ve been a setup.]
[Shari, Nicholas is en route. We’ve sent our team too, but
they can’t show themselves.]
Sharon’s eyes sharpened, voice low and cold. Sharon: [Find out what really happened.]
So many of the Vance family’s branch members had died today. All of them were low–ranking martial artists. Practically the entire fighting force of the extended line–wiped out.
‘An accident?‘
She didn’t believe that for a second.
