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.

clapped lightly, her laughter tinged with a hint of praise. “Not bad. You’ve

only one with any real

off, and his strength was nearly restored. But he knew this woman’s skills were superior to his own; her mere presence,

you?” Larry’s voice was flat, his

on Fariana Isle, his word was law, but here in M State,

into a mocking smile. “You’re not worthy of

his attack with eerie precision, dodging

flew at Larry. He narrowly avoided them, rolling away,

to

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

another mouthful of blood in

laced her voice as she continued, “You aren’t waiting for your precious senior and the Nine Mystics Society

Vivienne and the Nine Mystics Society unsettled Larry. Why let them escape if

that there was more to their

have cleaned them up nicely,” she said, fanning herself

setting in, a sound echoed from behind

From the shadows emerged Vivienne and Percival, hand

waned at the sight of them together. “Oh? You two are a

might’ve mistaken them for

none of your concern,” Vivienne retorted, thrusting her needles at the red-dressed

I held you

but the mysterious

disbelief, realized even Vivienne struggled against

you?” Vivienne asked,

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