The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1112

Vivienne withdrew her gaze and, along with Percival, ventured deeper into the woods.

Indeed, as Carly had mentioned, the scent of the wild - a mix of wolf and boar - was strong, explaining Vivienne's cautious steps.

They had barely advanced when an eerie green glow emerged from the underbrush. Vivienne, expressionless, scattered a packet of powder into the bushes before the creatures could react. The green light flickered wildly before a thud echoed through the serene forest.

"Amateurs," Vivienne scoffed, unimpressed by the threat these creatures posed.

As Vivienne and Percival turned to continue, the fallen pack of wolves suddenly rose, their eyes glowing even more intensely.

The alpha wolf locked eyes with Vivienne and growled deeply before lunging at her.

Percival, swift as ever, drew his dagger and struck, with the wolves joining the fray. Despite the blades piercing their flesh, the wolves seemed exhilarated by the bloodshed.

Vivienne realized something was amiss and advised Percival, "Don't go head-to-head; they're frenzied."

Acknowledging her advice, they regrouped back-to-back, adjusting their strategy.

Seizing an opportunity, Vivienne plunged her dagger into the temple of the alpha wolf, which collapsed and didn't rise again.

Handing her blade to Percival under the moonlight, its poisoned tip gleamed. "We need to move quickly. This commotion will draw their attention," she whispered, sensing more danger approaching.

Feeling a sense of unease, Vivienne watched as a wolf broke away, standing on a rock howling at the sky.

they

passed. With nothing but a sturdy branch and her wits, she fashioned a makeshift bow and arrow, dispatching any threat with precision. By the time she had dealt with the

all they've got?"

the patrol arrived, Vivienne and Percival were long gone, leaving behind a

here! We've got intruders!" Gregg barked

hesitated, "Should we

reply. They were concerned about abandoning their posts, but soon, they were the only ones

stay put for now. We're all that's left

dealt with a wild boar, noticed people converging in

for you?" he

tone, "It's not just

Vivienne for injuries before

he asked, wiping blood

cabin with her binoculars, noted, "Windows are shut tight. Can't guarantee there aren't guards

"They wouldn't leave many behind. Those two were probably just to keep

sense, and they began

carnage in the woods, was furious. "What

baffled him; despite the extensive patrol, no one had noticed

we've got a problem," a subordinate reported, rushing

livid,

we found the Ashen King dead to the north," the man stammered, delivering

his mouth, a hush fell over the crowd,