Free Web NovelChapter 159: Warm Welcome (1)
As the group arrived at the settlement’s gates, they were met by the guards stationed there. The guards, recognising Shinon and his companions, greeted them energetically.
However, their expressions shifted to caution when they noticed the three girls accompanying them.
One of the guards stepped forward, his eyes scanning the girls. "Who are they?" he asked, his tone firm.
Shinon glanced at Selena, exchanging a silent understanding. It was their responsibility to vouch for the girls and ensure their safety. He approached the guard, his demeanour calm and collected.
"These are Lily, Mia, and Emily," Shinon replied. "We found them in danger, and we rescued them. I hope there’s no problem with that?"
The guard hesitated, his gaze shifting between the girls and the rest of the group. He glanced at his companion, seeking guidance. After a moment, he nodded reluctantly.
Shinon had earned enough respect that they could trust him. Had it been anyone else, they wouldn’t hesitate before pointing their guns at them.
"I’ll allow them entry," the guard finally said. "But I must inform the Phoenixes about their arrival. As much as I would like to help you, there are protocols I must follow to keep everyone safe. I hope you understand."
Shinon nodded. The guards had a duty to fulfil, just like everyone else. Moreover, he appreciated their concern for the settlement’s security. Even then, Shinon knew Marcus would cause some issues as soon as he learned what they had done.
’I’ll handle him when the time comes. Let’s get inside first.’
As they made their way through the settlement, the girls couldn’t help but feel the weight of the gazes upon them. They clung closer to one another, their nervousness palpable. However, sensing their unease, Kira offered them comfort and reassurance.
"Don’t worry," Kira said, her voice gentle. "You’re with us now, and we won’t let anything happen to you."
Her words seemed to calm the girls, and a small smile graced their lips. They held onto the hope that Shinon and his team would keep them safe. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
As they wandered through the settlement, showing the girls around and familiarising them with their new surroundings. People enthusiastically welcomed them, but the wholesome moment didn’t last long.
Marcus stormed into their path, his expression furious. His eyes bore into Shinon and Selena, demanding their immediate attention.
As Shinon and Marcus locked eyes, a palpable tension filled the air. The crowd gathered in the settlement’s centre grew hushed, sensing the brewing storm between the two formidable figures.
Marcus stood tall, his expression hardened, while Shinon maintained his calm demeanour, his eyes gleaming with determination. The weight of their previous conflicts and differences hung heavy between them.
Whispers rippled through the onlookers, anticipation and unease mingling in their voices. The settlement had become accustomed to the clashes between Marcus and Shinon, but this encounter felt different.
"What’s the meaning of this?" Marcus snapped, his voice laced with anger. "Why did you bring these outsiders here without consulting anyone?"
"You expected me to radio in when we fought for our lives?" Shinon met Marcus’s gaze, his expression composed. "These girls were in danger, Marcus. We couldn’t just abandon them. They needed our help, so I did what any sane human would."
By this time, the remaining Phoenixes, Lova, Nova and Sable, also arrived at the scene.
"Help? You’ve brought potential trouble to our doorstep. We don’t know anything about them or their intentions." Marcus scoffed, his frustration evident. "Do you have any idea the level of chaos these women can cause us?"
Witnessing the situation getting out of hand, Selena stepped forward, her voice firm. "They’re victims, Marcus. They’ve been through unimaginable hardships. We couldn’t turn our backs on them."
"We should have been consulted. We need to ensure the safety and stability of this settlement." Marcus’s eyes flickered with a mix of anger and concern. "These girls are the property of someone else! Do you have any idea about the implications-"
"I didn’t know people were mere things in your eyes, Marcus," Shinon boldly interrupted, ready to use Marcus’ words against him. "Is that what you think of us as well?"
Selena’s eyes widened at the implication of Shinon’s words, her gaze shifting between the two leaders. She wasn’t the only one who realised what Shinon had said as the crowd began murmuring amongst themselves.
The tension in the town square mounted as their confrontation escalated. The other members of the Phoenixes watched silently, their expressions a mix of apprehension and conflict.
Marcus’s face flushed with anger as he clenched his fists, his composure shattered by Shinon’s sharp remark. In unchecked fury, he lunged forward, grabbing Shinon by the collar and pulling him closer.
"You think you can talk to me like that?" Marcus growled, his voice seething with rage.
The onlookers gasped, their eyes wide with shock and apprehension. Selena, Rico, Kira, and the rest of the settlement watched in stunned silence, unsure how to intervene.
But Rico didn’t think twice and unsheathed his machete, only to be stopped by Shinon. This problem was between him and Marcus; he didn’t need or want anyone else to intervene.
Shinon remained calm, his eyes locked with Marcus’s intense gaze. "Let go of me, Marcus," he said, his voice steady and unwavering. "It’ll be best for you to not agitate me further, or there’ll be consequences for both of us."
Marcus’s grip tightened, his knuckles turning white. "You can’t do anything!" he spat. "I have the weight of this settlement on my shoulders, and I won’t let you do as you please!"
Shinon’s voice resonated with conviction as he spoke. "Authority shouldn’t be used as an excuse for cruelty or disrespect. We’re all here to protect and support one another, not to belittle or control. Unlike you." frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
Selena stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Marcus, let him go," she said, her eyes fixed on his face.
Reluctantly, Marcus released his grip, his face contorted with a mix of anger and frustration.
"Enough!" Nova, unable to contain her thoughts, interjected, her voice cautious. "We should hear them out, Marcus. Perhaps there is more to their story than meets the eye."
Marcus’s gaze shifted to Nova, his frustration still evident. However, he reluctantly nodded, realising the need to assess the situation more thoroughly.
"Fine," Marcus grumbled. "But we need to have a meeting to discuss this further. We can’t make hasty decisions that could endanger everyone here. Especially not when someone like Aric is involved."
