The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Larry grunted in agreement.

Huxley, hearing the affirmation, let out a sigh of relief and gripped Carl’s sleeve tighter, his gaze dropping as he lost himself in thought.

The group trekked on, the passage of time lost to them until a faint glimmer of light hinted at the end of their subterranean journey.

“Thank God,” Huxley exclaimed, spotting the brightness ahead. “Looks like we’re finally going to see the light of day!”

The oppressive darkness of the mine shafts had been nearly suffocating, and the promise of escape was a balm to his weary spirit.

Larry, however, squinted at the light suspiciously, his instincts on high alert. Things were never this easy.

If an exit was so conveniently placed, what was the point of dragging them down here in the first place?

His steps became cautious as he whispered a warning to the others, “Stay sharp. Something’s fishy up ahead.”

They continued, the light growing stronger, beckoning them forward despite the potential danger.

Emerging from the stifling confines of the mine, they found themselves in a surprisingly large clearing.

“Did we actually make it out?” Carl muttered, disbelief etched across his face.

Larry’s brow furrowed tighter. He was half-expecting an ambush.

Free from the claustrophobic tunnels, Huxley took a deep breath, allowing himself a momentary sense of relief. The last thing he wanted was to revisit the horrors of the mine. Although Larry and Carl were with him, that was still a terrifying experience.

“Tsk.” Just then, as if on cue, a woman adorned with a golden half-mask appeared, her form draped in a striking red dress that hugged her curves like a second skin. She oozed an air of mystery and grace.

With her hands on her hips and a silver fan in her grasp, she had the poise of a seasoned actress on stage, though how long she had been there was anyone’s guess.

gaze swept over the trio, and with a flick of her fan, she clapped lightly, her laughter tinged with a hint of praise. “Not bad. You’ve made it here

only one with any real fighting

was nearly restored. But he knew this woman’s skills were superior to his own; her

you?” Larry’s voice was flat, his eyes

Isle, his word was law, but here in M State, he was effectively

mask, curved into a mocking smile. “You’re not worthy

anticipated his attack

she sidestepped, her fan snapped open, revealing needles that flew at Larry. He narrowly avoided them, rolling

hadn’t expected to

the standard of Emerald Mountain’s disciple? Disappointing.” she taunted

mouthful

your precious senior and the Nine Mystics Society to save

Nine Mystics Society unsettled

was more

behind? My people have cleaned them up nicely,” she said, fanning herself

despair was setting in,

the shadows emerged Vivienne and

at the sight of them together.

mistaken them

Vivienne retorted, thrusting her needles at the

ever. I held you

at the revelation, but the mysterious woman parried each attack with

in disbelief, realized

with F-Poison, aren’t you?” Vivienne asked, stepping

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