Free Web NovelChapter 157: [Bonus Chapter] Saving Damsels (3)
The dim light of a flickering lantern cast dancing shadows across the worn walls of the shelter as Selena and Rico stood guard, their weapons ready.
Outside, the night still held its eerie silence, broken only by distant moans and the occasional shuffling of undead feet. The two guards were vigilant alongside Rico and Selena, their senses keenly attuned to any sign of danger.
With her healing skills active, Kira knelt beside the three young women they had rescued. The girls, looking visibly shaken, huddled together for comfort. Kira’s gentle hands moved over their bodies, carefully checking for injuries and offering soothing words of reassurance.
She noticed the bodies of the two older girls were filled with old scars, while the youngest didn’t seem to have them on her.
As much as Kira wanted to know more about their old wounds, she knew better than to bluntly ask them about it.
"I’m Kira," she introduced herself with a warm smile. "You’re safe now. Can you tell me your names?"
The three girls exchanged glances before the one with curly brown hair spoke up. "I’m Emily," she said, her voice quivering.
The girl with fiery red hair introduced herself next, her voice determined despite her fear. "I’m Lily."
The third girl, with dark, soulful eyes, whispered, "I’m Mia."
Kira’s eyes softened as she continued her examination. "You’re going to be alright, Emily, Lily, and Mia. We’re here to protect you, and you’re among friends now."
Selena’s ears perked up as she caught the exchange, feeling a surge of empathy for the young women who had been caught in such a perilous situation. She exchanged a knowing glance with Rico, both of them grateful that they had arrived in time to rescue the girls.
While Kira tended to their injuries, the girls expressed their heartfelt gratitude.
"Thank you," Emily said, her voice choked with emotion. "If you hadn’t come when you did, we don’t know what would have happened."
Lily nodded in agreement, her eyes brimming with tears. "You saved our lives. We can’t thank you enough."
Rico managed a small smile and said, "It’s our duty to protect people from the dangers of the city. We’re just glad we got here in time."
Selena chimed in, her voice firm but gentle. "No one should have to face these horrors alone. We fight to protect everyone we can, and we’re relieved we could help you."
Emily wanted to say something else, but the others stopped her. Kira felt a bit weirded out but chalked it off to the girls not being comfortable with them yet.
Also, Kira knew the time to ask questions the girls would come after Shinon arrived there. They could rest till then.
As Kira finished her examination, she stood up and addressed the group. "The girls will need some rest and some warm food. It’s best if we find a more secure location for them."
"Hm... we’ll set out for the settlement as soon as Shinon returns," Selena mumbled before turning towards the dark corner of the alleyway ahead.
Hours had dragged on since Shinon’s group had left him behind to confront the relentless zombie horde.
Time seemed to stretch endlessly, each passing minute feeling like an eternity. Anxiety wrapped its icy tendrils around their hearts, relentlessly playing with their hearts.
Selena couldn’t shake the worry that gnawed at her, her thoughts consumed by the image of Shinon fighting against the relentless horde, alone and outnumbered.
She knew it wasn’t the first time Shinon had gone to fight against a horde alone, but Selena couldn’t help but wonder if she had needlessly endangered Shinon’s safety for the sake of strangers. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
"What are y’all looking at?" someone called out from the other side of the room.
Selena thought it was one of the guards and turned around to reprimand them, only to be surprised after seeing Shinon there. There wasn’t a single scratch on his body, despite going up against so many zombies.
Relief surged through Selena, mingled with a surge of joy that brought tears to her eyes. She rushed forward, her steps quickening, until she found herself in Shinon’s embrace. The world around her faded as she held him tightly, her voice barely a whisper.
"You made it," she breathed, her voice filled with gratitude and overwhelming relief.
Shinon reluctantly returned the embrace, his voice tinged with confusion. "Um... what’s going on? Did I miss something?"
Rico and Kira approached their expressions, a blend of concern and relief.
"Where on earth did you appear from?" Rico asked, his eyes scanning the room, searching for any sign of another entrance.
"Of course, he hid in his shadow to make a dramatic entrance," Kira rolled her eyes, her remark tinged with playful sarcasm. "Typical..."
The passive-aggressive remark hinted at Kira’s annoyance, possibly fueled by the display of affection between Shinon and Selena.
Regardless, one of the guards interjected, breaking the momentary silence. "Regardless of how he arrived, it’s good to see you back safely, sir."
Still struggling to comprehend Shinon’s sudden reappearance, the other guard couldn’t help but voice his bewildered thoughts. "How did you manage to return unscathed? I mean... how? They must have gotten you somewhere!?"
"Keep up with the questions, and I might just think you wanted me dead." Shinon chuckled. "But to get rid of your curiosity, let’s just say... I always have a plan, even when things seem dire. It just takes a little faith and patience to see those through." ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
Rico’s stern expression softened as he glanced between his companions. "Well, we should be grateful that Shinon’s flair for the dramatic paid off this time. Welcome back, my friend."
Kira couldn’t help but crack a small smile, her earlier annoyance melting away. "Yeah, yeah. Don’t make a habit out of disappearing on us, okay? We need you here."
Shinon nodded, but then his gaze shifted towards the girls. He couldn’t help but notice their inadequate attire and the presence of old scars scattered across their bodies.
His eyes discerned that these scars weren’t inflicted by the hands of mindless zombies but rather by deliberate acts of cruelty, most likely from a whip. He immediately turned to the rest of the groups, gesturing them to step back for a moment.
"Is slavery common here?" He asked them.
"Wait... you’re saying-?" Selena clasped her mouth as realisation dawned upon her.
"I’m afraid so," Shinon replied. "Although, it is just what I think. We’ll have to get the girls talking to know more."
