Free Web NovelChapter 87: Unlikely Helper
As the night progressed, Shinon meticulously gathered his equipment. His mind was focused, his determination unwavering.
As Shinon carefully selected his gear, laying out his weapons and tools, Kira entered the room, her expression filled with concern. She watched him silently for a moment before finally speaking up.
"Shinon, are you sure about this?" Kira voiced her concerns. "The bandits are dangerous, and going after them alone... it’s too risky."
Shinon glanced up from his task, his eyes meeting Kira’s with determination and reassurance.
"I’ve thought this through, Kira," he replied firmly. "I can’t let Selena suffer at the hands of those bandits. She needs our help, and I won’t abandon her."
Kira’s brows furrowed, her concern deepening. "But what if something happens to you? Rico just woke up, and he needs you here. You don’t have to leave! She chose the Phoenixes over you, remember? So the Phoenixes can find another way to save her."
Shinon paused for a moment, his gaze softening. He understood Kira’s worries and desire to protect him and keep their newfound family safe. He reached out and gently took her hand, his touch warm and comforting.
"I won’t lie, Kira," he said, his voice gentle yet resolute. "This mission is dangerous, and there are risks involved. But the Phoenixes won’t do anything to protect her, and I can’t stand by and do nothing."
"You’re a moron, you know that? Why are you putting your neck on the line for someone who discarded you to save her neck!?" Kira’s eyes were fierce as her grip on Shinon’s hand tightened. "Your life is worth more than hers-"
Shinon pulled her close, placing his arms around her shoulders. "I promise, Kira, I’ll do everything in my power to return to you and Rico. But right now, I need you to be strong. Keep an eye on Rico, and take care of each other until I return."
Kira sighed, knowing nothing she said would convince Shinon to stay back. Although she understood the depth of his commitment, the reasoning behind his actions was utterly stupid. Reluctantly, she released her grip and took a step back.
"Okay," she whispered, her voice filled with disappointment and defeat. "Just promise me you’ll be careful and return to us in one piece. Also, I’m not healing you if you get injured..."
Shinon smiled before dumping his gears into his shadow inventory. "I promise. I’ll be back sooner than you’ll know."
With that, Shinon turned back to his task. He meticulously packed his gear, ensuring he had everything he needed for the mission.
As he tucked everything away, Shinon’s mind raced with the plan forming in his head.
He would capture Drake and use him as bait to lure the rest of the bandits to a specific location. Then make a loud noise to attract the zombies and slip past them to go and rescue Selena.
It was a risky plan full of uncertainties. But it was the only way that could provide the opportunity he needed to rescue Selena.
With a final glance around the room, he cast one last look at Kira, their eyes meeting in a shared understanding. Then, without a word, he stepped towards the door, ready to face the challenges that awaited him.
As Shinon made his way towards the exit, he suddenly spotted Marcus standing there, his gaze fixed on him. The tension between the two men was palpable, a lingering reminder of past grievances and a clash of personalities.
Shinon stopped in his tracks, his guarded expression meeting Marcus’ steely gaze. There was a brief silence as the air hung heavy with unspoken words. Finally, Shinon spoke because he didn’t have time to waste.
"What do you want, Marcus?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of scepticism. He was wary of any ulterior motives or hidden agendas.
Marcus’s eyes flickered with emotions—regret, resolve, and a hint of vulnerability. He took a step forward, closing the distance between them.
"I know we’ve never seen eye to eye, Shinon," he began, his voice tinged with uncharacteristic softness. "But Selena... she means a lot to both of us."
Shinon’s gaze softened slightly, his defences momentarily lowered. It was true. Despite their differences, both men shared a deep concern for Selena’s well-being.
Curiosity tinged Shinon’s voice as he asked, "So, what do you want to say? I’d be grateful if you didn’t waste either of our times."
Marcus reached into a hidden pocket, pulling out a small pouch containing several vials of different potions. He held them out to Shinon, his eyes meeting his with sincerity and caution.
"Take these," Marcus said, his voice betraying a rare vulnerability. "They might come in handy during the mission. Use them wisely."
Shinon’s gaze shifted from the vials to Marcus, his brows furrowing in confusion. He wasn’t accustomed to receiving anything from Marcus, let alone a gesture of assistance.
However, he couldn’t deny the potential value of the potions, especially in the face of the unknown dangers they would encounter. After all, he had seen first-hand what those potions could do after his ’fight’ with Marcus a few days ago.
After a moment’s hesitation, Shinon reached out and accepted the vials, his grip firm but cautious. For all he knew, it could be a way for Marcus to poison him, capitalising on his emotional state.
"Thank you," he muttered, his voice laced with wariness. freeweɓnøvel.com
Shinon wasn’t about to forget the Phoenixes’ past transgressions, but he understood the gravity of their situation.
Marcus nodded in acknowledgement, a flicker of understanding passing between them.
"Just bring her back safely," he said, his voice hinting at the situation’s urgency. "Whatever animosity lies between us, it pales in comparison to the importance of her life."
Shinon nodded in agreement, his features hardening once again as he prepared himself for the task at hand.
"I’ll do whatever it takes," he replied, his voice firm and resolute. "Selena will come back unharmed."
With that, the two men locked eyes briefly, a silent understanding passing between them.
They may have harboured a deep-rooted dislike for each other, but at that moment, their shared concern for Selena transcended their animosity.
Without another word, Marcus turned and walked away, leaving Shinon standing by the gates, clutching the vials in his hand.
With a deep breath, Shinon pocketed the vials and set off towards the awaiting mission, ready to face the dangers that awaited him to save the woman who had once betrayed him yet still held a place in his heart.
