Scarlett smiled faintly, shaking her head. "You’re crazy. And no, you wouldn’t still be alive if I wanted to punish you for everything you did. But the mont you saved back on Earth, you cleared all your debts." Her smile faded as she looked back to the sky. "If I feel the thirst, I’ll drink animal blood. If I feel hungry, I’ll eat their flesh. But if I lose control... If I turn back into a monster, don’t try to save . Run. Get as far away as you can. I don’t want to hurt anyone."
Her voice hardened as she continued. "The best way you can save , the only way you can show you care about this new relationship we’re building is by staying alive. Don’t take risks. Think before you act. Just... don’t die here, Garvin."
Garvin smiled, his gaze soft as he t hers. "I promise. But you have to protect yourself too, Scarlett. Even if the monsters aren’t a threat to you, Victor’s n are."
"I will," she replied with a nod. Together, they turned their attention back to the night sky, the quiet hum of their shared resolve binding them in the silence.
_________
The morning sun cast warm rays over the cave, illuminating the sleeping survivors. Most of them stirred, shielding their faces with the blankets Scarlett had provided. The growls of monsters echoed faintly in the distance, but the group trusted Scarlett and Garvin to keep watch.
Larry, Maya, Louise, and Ethan were the first to wake, rubbing their eyes as they sat up.
"Have you all forgotten that Victor might send his soldiers even if the monsters don’t find us?" Garvin asked, smirking as the others scrambled awake. "Scarlett’s invisibility might not save everyone this ti."
"Are we leaving already? It’s so early," a middle-aged man asked groggily, blinking sleepily.
"Oh, we’re leaving," Garvin replied, rolling his eyes. "We can’t waste ti resting when we have a long journey ahead."
"Victor’s n appeared to be more dangerous than monsters. You all better get up before bullets starts hitting you in the head." Louise chid in with a light chuckle which Maya joined in.
"That’s not nice Louise." Larry replied as he studied the terrified look on the survivors faces.
The group quickly got up and packed up their beds, handing them to Larry, who stored them in his system. No one wanted to risk Victor’s n catching up to them. Scarlett watched quietly, a faint smile on her lips, as the survivors worked efficiently.
As they stepped out of the cave, the bright, sunny day greeted them with deceptive warmth. Despite the beauty of the forest, the group remained tense, knowing danger lurked behind every tree. Scarlett activated her invisibility skill, shrouding them as they moved swiftly through the underbrush. Their goal was clear: to find safety before Victor’s forces caught up with them again.
____________
Back at the Axe Base, Victor sat on his throne-like chair, a smug smirk etched across his face. The events of the previous night played on a loop in his mind, the demise of his two hundred best soldiers, a loss that brought anger to his heart. He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the armrest, each tap echoing ominously in the dimly lit room.
The sound of footsteps disrupted his thoughts. The heavy thuds of boots on the cold floor grew louder, accompanied by muffled cries. Monts later, the doctor entered the room, followed by a hulking man dragging a struggling Jaden behind him. Clutched tightly to Jaden’s chest was Hope, who whimpered softly, her tears soaking the boy’s shirt.
The trio stopped in front of Victor, the doctor stepping forward with a smug grin. "Here they are, Boss," he announced, though Victor’s piercing gaze already indicated he was aware of their presence.
"Good, good," Victor murmured, rising slowly from his chair. He took deliberate steps toward Jaden, each one radiating an air of nace. Leaning down to Jaden’s level, he gazed at the trembling boy, his smirk deepening. "Hello there, little one," he said, his voice mockingly gentle. "Don’t you want to go and et your sister?"
Jaden’s wide, tear-filled eyes locked onto Victor. His voice ca out in a shaky whisper, filled with both fear and hope. "Sister? Where is she? Why hasn’t she co back to get ?" His arms tightened protectively around Hope, who began crying louder at the ntion of her absence.
Victor chuckled, a low, nacing sound that seed to fill the room with an oppressive weight. "I’m afraid she won’t be coming back," he said, feigning a look of exaggerated pity. "That’s why I’m giving you the chance to go and find her. Who knows? She might have reached the other survivors and decided you weren’t worth the trouble." He shook his head in mock sorrow. "How cruel of her."
Jaden’s trembling grew worse, but he stared up at Victor with a defiant spark in his teary eyes. "You’re lying," he said, his voice quivering but determined. "Golden would never abandon . If she said she’s coming back, then she will. She’s never lied to ...ever!"
Victor leaned closer, his breath hot against Jaden’s face, making the boy flinch. He relished the flicker of fear that danced in Jaden’s eyes, though the boy’s stubbornness amused him. "Oh, we’ll see about that," Victor sneered, his tone dripping with malice. He straightened up and gestured lazily toward the door. "You’re going on a little journey, my dear boy. And if you’re lucky, you might just stumble upon your precious Golden."
Jaden’s grip on Hope tightened as she let out another wail, burying her face in his chest. "I won’t go anywhere without her," he snapped, his voice stronger now, defying the fear that threatened to overwhelm him. "Golden told to wait for her, and I trust her. I don’t trust you or anyone else here!"
Victor’s smirk widened, his dark eyes glinting with sinister amusent. He let out a low chuckle that sent shivers through Jaden’s small body. "Trust?" he drawled. "Trust is a dangerous thing, boy. And unfortunately for you, you’re in no position to make demands." He waved a hand dismissively at the doctor and the burly man. "You’re my prisoner, sweetie. You’ll do as I say, whether you like it or not."
Jaden’s face hardened, his small fra trembling with a mixture of rage and terror. Though fear lood heavily over him, a flicker of courage burned in his eyes. "Golden will co for ," he said, his voice steady despite the tears streaming down his face. "She’ll co back. She always does."
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