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.

glance with Percival, they split up

left, stumbled into a den of snakes, disturbing their slumber as she 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

that all they've

Vivienne and Percival were

We've got intruders!" Gregg

the cabin hesitated, "Should we

They were concerned about abandoning

stay put for now. We're

dealt with a wild boar, noticed people converging

they coming for you?" he asked through the

movement, replied in a hushed tone, "It's not just me. We've been

checked Vivienne for injuries before they contemplated

he asked, wiping blood from her

her binoculars, noted, "Windows are

Those

sense, and

discovering the carnage in the woods, was furious. "What happened here? Who dared

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

a problem," a subordinate reported, rushing

already livid,

the Ashen King dead to the north," the man stammered, delivering news that would only deepen the

left his mouth, a hush fell over the crowd, and Gregg let out a sharp intake of