Dont move, or youll be dead, she stated firmly, her voice cold with threat. Tell me where the exit is and which areas have unblocked signals. Dont lie to me, or I really will kill you.
Bennett remained unflappable, his demeanor calm. Why the rush? My manor is just ahead.
Im not convinced, Ariana snapped back, pressing the blade slightly deeper and drawing a bead of blood. Weve been on the move for ages, and still, were trapped in these woods. Are you trying to trick me again?
No, honestly, thats not my intention. Your focus has been on finding others, not escaping. Bennett sighed. And as for the lack of a signal, Im at a loss myself. Its not like Ive sabotaged the communications here. Were simply too deep in the mountains; the reception here is notoriously bad.
Ariana fell silent.
All roads seemed to lead back to Bennetts manor. But if she went back with him, Holdens and Adrians efforts would be in vain.
Ariana was angry, fixing Bennett with a fierce stare. Start telling the truth, or I might just end you!
It was unclear whether Bennett would take her threat seriously, but Ariana was eager for an answer.
Just then, a sharp exhale from behind Ariana made her pause. It felt like the breath of a large animal.
A wave of fear washed over her as she felt her legs shake uncontrollably.
Fighting the panic, she slowly turned to find a pack of wolves, about a dozen in number, lurking in the underbrush ten meters away.
Their eyes gleamed with a predatory hunger, ready to strike.
Gulping down her fear, Arianas hand instinctively reached for the weapon in her pocket.
Since her encounter with Bennett, misfortune seemed her constant companion. Was he truly a jinx? Trouble, it seemed, was never far behind when she was with him.
Bennett! Ariana called out, her movements deliberate and slow, trying not to alarm the wolves circling them. Her voice trembled with fear. This is your territory, isnt it? These wolves belong to you, right? Can
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you make them leave? They look ravenous. Surely, they havent forgotten who their leader is, right?
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No, theyre not under my command, Bennett answered, his tone serious. Yes, I do manage wolves, but not these. This forest is forbidden territory. I usually send people here either as punishment or to leave my enemies to their own fate.
A chill ran through Ariana as she asked again, Has anyone ever survived this place?
Bennett hesitated, his silence speaking volumes.
Impatient and anxious, Ariana pressed him, asking, Well? Say something!
Why do you need to hear the answer? Bennett replied, looking resigned. If anyone had made it out alive, do you think I would continue using this place?
Despair washed over Ariana.
Even though both of them were seasoned fighters, Ariana was weary, and Bennett was limping. They could possibly fend off one or two wolves, but a pack of them? It was hopeless.
A direct confrontation would likely lead to a brutal end for them.
Wait, youre a beast tamer, arent you? Ariana suddenly recalled something, a glimmer of hope sparking within her. Your animals are incredibly loyal and far more formidable than these wolves. You could manage a few wild ones, couldnt you?